We started our adventure with a "farewell" Sacrament meeting on January 29th. 8 of the 11 kids and families were able to come, along with some friends and other relatives. Afterwards we had 51 (yep!) family members in our condo for a brunch. Kirsten said, "now we know we can get this many in here". To which I replied, "Now we know we don't want to again!". It was wall to wall with people we love & it was great!
The next two weeks were spent getting our home semi-cleaned up for Jordan and Katelyn so they could move in and take care of our place for the net 18 months. We are so grateful to them for being willing to do this for us. It takes a lot of worry from us and allows us to concentrate on our mission.
Friday, Feb 10th, we were set apart by President Rau as full time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Such an awesome feeling as he blessed each of us with our needs and eased some of our concerns.
Saturday, Feb.11 we packed the car to the gills and went to a birthday party for Kadence. She was so cute, and got covered in cake! We left from there after some tearful goodbyes to go to Angie and Mikes for a couple of nights. I'm glad we had those as I was getting sick, and the rest was just what I needed.
Monday, February 13, we entered the MTC. Angie followed us, and got the traditional pictures! We dropped our luggage in our room, and went right to work with orientation, being placed in districts with other senior missionaries, and being paired with another couple to get to know, for follow-up teaching.
Tuesday...Valentine's Day...another Loooong, but satisfying day! We had large group meeting before lunch, classroom teaching with some role playing after lunch, got to know our companion couple, and finished with a great Devotional by Elder Ballard in the evening.
Wednesday, February 15, Group session followed by classroom work. Don gave an extemporaneous 5 minute talk on Diligence and did wonderful. We taught our companion couple a lesson with a follow-up to come tomorrow. We had dinner with Don's childhood friend and his wife this evening...Sherm and Karen Sowby. It was very nice and Don and Sherm thoroughly enjoyed reliving old times!
Thursday...We followed up with the Davis'. They are going to the Ohio Cincinnati mission and we hopefully will be able to see them in the mission field. He is going to be their area physician. We have made some great friendships in such a short time. It is amazing how much you can learn to love people so fast!
Friday, February 17...Graduation Day!! Following a teaching morning...we met, talked to, prepared and presented a lesson to a volunteer. What a great experience. As soon as we were done in the afternoon, we went to the Provo City Center Temple...what a beautiful place. I have never been in a temple where all of the ordinance workers were college-age. It was great. Dinner afterwards at Village Inn (don't do it!).
Saturday...We moved to SLC for further training next week. We went to get me one pair of more comfortable shoes and had lunch at the Cheesecake factory for my birthday. That night we met up with Robyne & Jon and their family and Angie, Mike, and Eric for dinner together. It was good to see them and to say our goodbyes to the Zollingers.
Elder MacFarlane going to serve at home in Spokane Sister McFarlane was in the hospital
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