Scott and Taylor dropped me off at the Mission Training Center (MTC) on Monday, August 16th. They were able to carry my bags to my room, thank heavens. I roomed by myself, which was good for two reasons, my bed broke the third night I was there, so I just moved over to the other bed, the other reason is because I am so anxious to have a companion, I love my companion, Sister Elaine Clark, already.

I was the only senior single sister missionary in the group of senior missionaries entering the MTC on August 16th. It was hard, but the couple missionaries were very kind to me and included when they could. In the classes if the teacher said to do something with your companion one of the teachers became my companion and that was so great. Those young returned missionaries are fantastic teachers and very tuned in to seniors needs in learning, resting, etc.

The first week was spent on "Preach My Gospel" and started out very hard, but by Friday I felt like I could actually do some proselyting. The second week was spent learning about my calling as a Welfare Employment Specialist. What an awesome program, this is truly the Lord's church, no man or men could do alone what is being done in the world today to teach the gospel, help everyone become self-reliant and increase testimonies.

The time spent at the MTC was intense and tiring but also joyful, fulfilling, uplifting and I am on a higher level of spiritually than two weeks ago. The spirit is so strong at the MTC, and they constantly remind us that the spirit is strong because of the missionaries that are there, and we would take the same spirit with us into the mission field.

I was done with my classes on Friday, August 26th and I don't fly out to the Philippines until the night of Monday, August 30th and because senior missionaries do have more privileges than the young missionaries, I decided to spend my time left with my family. So Scott picked me and my bags up Thursday evening, I spent one night and one day with Douglas, and his kids when they got out of school. I am at Scott's home now and he will take me to the airport when the time comes. I had a bit of shopping to do with Douglas and he said people would wonder what he was doing with a missionary because I wore my badge, I told him to put his arm around my shoulders and say "My Mom." No one asked or looked puzzled.

All my kids have been so kind, supportive and loving, they really are a great comfort and satisfaction to me and raising grandchildren the same. As hard as it is, I am anxious to get to the Philippines and begin. My apartment is five blocks from the Manila Temple and the office I will work in is across the street from the temple, so that is exciting.

I leave here Monday August 30th and arrive in Manila Wednesday, Sept lst so probably will not be blogging until my mind and body can get caught up, until than know that I am anixously engaged in the work of the Lord.

Almost there!

Everything is bought! Car is sold! I am packing my suitcases tomorrow, giving a talk in Sacrament Sunday, August 16th and will be set apart as a missionary right after the meeting. Just typing this puts me in a daze as my emotions seem to have run amuk ( excited, sad, scared, anxious, curious) , but all with the peace and assurance my mission will be a great blessing for me and my family.

My goal is to keep everyone up to date on things I am learning and my experiences, however, according to my schedule, posting might be sporadic at times.

Comments, advice & etc., are welcomed!

I have added my addresses to my mission on the right side of my blog. I would love to receive letters from all of you so that I feel like I'm getting a glimse of your life while I am gone. Please remember that if you send a letter through the Church Pouch System you can only send letters. They will not accept anything else (i.e. no stamps, pictures or commodities).

In the Philippines, it seems to be tradition to paste pictures of the Savior on the packages, especially across the enclosure, to discourage the mail handlers from getting into the packages. The Church also suggests that families/friends research the best method of mailing packages. Fedex has been known to charge recipient fees when the package arrives to the location specified.