Entering the MTC
Mom putting on Alex's Nametag
Alex, Mom and Dad (I think Alex looks a bit more excited than Mom and Dad!)
Well, it's time for me to take over the writing of the "BLOG". Yesterday was truly "the best of times and the worst of times". We arrived at the Missionary Training Center in Provo UT at about 11:20am. After dropping off Alex's luggage, getting his immunization papers squared away and parking the car, it was time to go inside. As he checked in, Terry and I waited "patiently" for him. When I asked him what they were talking to him about at the desk his response was "Secret Stuff". Basically they welcomed him, gave him some initial instructions and handed him his missionary nametag. From what I understand, it's a tradition for parents to put the nametag on the new missionary. Although the "waterworks" started for us earlier in the day - this step didn't help us keep our emotions under control one little bit! Although I'm smiling in the picture - I was only smiling on the outside. After a few more pictures, we went into the chapel area where we listened to a 30 minute presentation on the MTC and missionary work in general. We learned that each day the missionaries in the MTC consume 400 gallons of milk. WOW! We also learned that 52 languages are being taught to the new missionaries preparing to enter the mission field. It's truly an amazing place. The opening hymn was "Called to Serve" - and I didn't hear a single female voice. The missionaries were singing and all the moms were crying...as we all knew that in just a few minutes our boys (and girls) would be going through the "missionary door" and we would be going home. Ever since Alex was a little boy he dreamed about going on a mission and now his dream has come true. He's finally ready to "teach and preach and work as missionaries do" and we're very grateful for that! (Words taken from a favorite Primary song..."I Hope They Call Me On a Mission") We will miss him each day, but we are so happy that he will be spending the next two years serving our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, full time. We thank all of you for supporting Alex with your kind words of encouragement. Although he won't be able to personally post on the BLOG, he will e-mail me with his weekly report and I will post it for him. I will also send him copies of all of your comments - so thank you for those as well!
Alex would love to receive mail! You can go to http://www.dearelder.com/ and send him an e-mail letter while he's in the MTC. His current MTC address is posted at the top of the BLOG.
