November 15, 2014 - Saturday

On this Saturday, mom and I had a very relaxing day here at the MTC.  We had no formal classes so we took advantage of our "P" (preparation) day and got up at 5:30am for a 30 minute workout on the tread mill and went to breakfast.  We got our laundry done and we took some time in our room to fold clothes and talk about our choice opportunity to be full time missionaries.  

Being full time missionaries is a family affair for each of us in our family.  We are very grateful for the love and the support from each person following us on this blog!  Please note that today, with my precious companion's help, we downloaded two new pictures!!!  Check it out!  

One is with Josh and Amy's 30 minute visit and mom and I pointing out our mission field on the huge world map in the MTC hallway.  All missionaries traditionally take this picture pointing out their field of labor.  Bob pointed out Guatemala, Josie pointed out Finland, Tom pointed out New York, Josh pointed out Australia, and Jared pointed out the Philippines.  A great family tradition and sooner than we can imagine, the grandchildren will be pointing out their fields of labor in the coming years!  How sweet will that be???!!!

We attended the Provo Temple this afternoon with our friend Sister Chao.  Let me tell you a little bit about her and the love that mom and I have developed for her and so many others.  She lost her husband about 8 years ago.  They joined th Church in the year 1976 and were sealed in the temple in August 1977.  Guess which temple????  The Los Angeles Temple! Where mom and I were married in February 1977!  She is 84 years old as I have mentioned before and she has the energy of many who are 20 years younger.  She loves to walk and take the stairs instead of the elevator.  When we take the stairs with her I'm the one huffing and puffing!  She will be an office missionary for her son-in-law who is the Mission President in her mission Taiwan.  Pretty special opportunity!   She will serve for 12 months.

We also were able to Skype Amy and Cambry and Isaac tonight. With Amy's help I think we worked out a few bugs!

Mom and I are finding a new closeness that we have not experienced in our first 38 years together.  We are so excited to serve the people of the Philippines together, and we are so grateful for the love and the support we receive from our family and friends.  Thank all of you for your loving kindness and for the expressions of support that we have received over the past 3 months.  

We are finding that our love for one another grows stronger each day.  We are especially finding out how much we are looking forward to serving in the Philippines.  There is no way we could turn back on this precious opportunity.  We know from just one week here at the MTC that we would turn away from so many blessings if we were to go back home now.  We have begun a journey that will be a treasure for us and for our family and friends, so hold on tight!  We are one full week into this mission and we can't wait to see the end from the beginning!  It promises to be exceptional!!