Picture of all senior missionaries in MTC this week. They are going all over the world. Just a couple of examples: Ukraine, Marshall Islands, Paris, France, Kenya, Czech Republic, Monterey, Mexico and Albania. Mom and I are the youngest ones here. At 36 years of marriage we've also been married the shortest period of time. At least one couple has celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. If you want to see any of the senior missionaries cry just say the word, "grandchildren". These guys are a real definition of sacrifice and a wealth of knowledge.

View of the Provo Temple from MTC.



Mom leaving our little room to go shoppping. Saturday was our Preparation Day so for a couple of hours I didn't wear a white shirt and tie and she was able to get casual.

Picture of Curtis Nelson and Boyd Tomanaha, our MTC instructors.


Its gorgeous Saturday in Provo, Utah. Mom and I went for an early morning walk, did some shopping and then had lunch with our two MTC instructors, Boyd Tomanaha and Curtis Nelson. This afternoon we studied some Shqip. Mom is still way ahead of me on the language. I hope I can catch up. This week at the MTC has been a very powerful experience. It would be difficult to put into words my feelings. As I have told the Gospel Restoration story to "investigators", I have once again received confirmation that Joseph Smith is a prophet and that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. Its also very fun to be with Mom 24/7. She's making a great missionary companion.

Mom receiving birthday wishes from Albanian sister missionaries. She was having so much fun. The sisters already love her and she them. From left to right, Sister Seaman, from Columbia Maryland, Sister Kennedy from Manchester, England, Sister Boyer and Sister Waldron. We have sung the hymns of Zion with them twice now. Though I hardly know the language, it brings tears to my eyes. They have been here 10 weeks and will leave on the 10th of October for Tirana.

Well we're here at the MTC having just completed our 2nd full day. Mom celebrated her birthday yesterday. There are 8 young missionaries heading to Albania the week after us. 4 Elders and 4 Sisters. They got Mom a birthday card, some treats and a pointer. She was thrilled. We had dinner with Kamryn, Jolene Wright and Bruce and Ann Gladwell.

Today, September 24th we had the normal proselyting lessons during the day and then this evening we met with Craig Monson who, along with his wife has just returned home from his mission to Albania. I will be taking his position as Institute Director in Tirana. They came home early because Sister Monson got sick and needed some American medical attention. He was a wealth of information and after spending over 3 1/2 hours with him it was decided that he'll return next Tuesday. Albania will obviously be a challenge, but you could tell he loved every minute of it.