The Hosts of Israel have fled Egypt

Dear Folks at Home:

  Sheila and I have finished our week at the MTC and are in Lincoln Nebraska this evening. We have had a wonderful experience in our training. The quote that is shown on this screen by Elder Holland best describes our experience.

We are assigned to Districts for our training. The two other couples are from Texas and Kansas City. The two sisters will serve as missionary nurses. Sheila and I are the only two born and raised in the church . Everyone else is a convert. Sister Turner, the older sister on the left( it’s ok. She is the first one to say she is old) is on her sixth mission. Two missions have been at church headquarters reviewing the health forms on Mission applications. She has served in Bosnia, with the Navajos, the Philippines, and is going to Melbourne to serve this mission. She is my hero. She has two grandchildren being married in the Temple while she is gone. She loves them dearly but she also loves the Lord. And she was told by the spirit that this is what she should be doing. I’ve come to appreciate this week that everyone who serves a mission makes a sacrifice in some way. 

The picture above is I80 going through Wyoming. We drove through fog this morning for about 200 miles. 

I was surprised that Nebraska didn’t have any snow.

One thing about Nebraska and Wyoming. The scenery doesn’t distract your driving. 
The cafeteria at the MTC is interesting. There are missionaries there from everywhere in the world. To serve a meal that would be tasty to everyone is difficult. I suggested a potato bar but I don’t think my idea was given much consideration. If someone can’t find something they can eat they do have huge cereal dispensers. They have small bowls thinking that would slow some of the Elders down. I saw one young Elder put 6 bowls on his tray and load them all up. 

One of the more spiritual moments a Missionary can have is to spend some time in front of the display murals.

This one helps missionaries appreciate Joseph Smith and the circumstances he faced in his life. The murals are 10 feet high and at least 25 feet wide. The one below is of Nephi. It tells us he was led by the spirit not knowing before hand which way he should go. Missionaries are to ask themselves how they are led. 

We will be in Pennsylvania by Monday evening. We look forward to sharing our experiences with you.