Our First Week in the MTC

We have been at the MTC for one week now. We weren't sure we were actually going to make it out of town but we did it! It has been such a wonderful experience, full of 'tender mercies' from heaven, like being able to stop in the middle of the desert and visit with our dear friends Dave and Julie Robertson and family on our way to the MTC.

We got to the MTC about 10pm and were given our name badges. What an honor to wear the name of the Savior over my heart. I've wanted one of these for a long time! We then  got a quick picture in front of the famous MTC map.  It looks like I'm going to Germany but Dave is going to Greece or something. 

We were able to see Sister Kimberly Foote for the first time the next day at lunch.  We were obviously all very happy to see each other again. She had shown the other 13 missionaries in her district a picture of us and told them to be on the lookout for us. It was really fun when they started spotting us waiting for her outside the cafeteria. They were all so excited for her. Finally we spotted her walking up the hall. You can probably see the tears in my eyes. 

We  loved the MTC experience. This is a picture of our district with one of our teachers. They are all now dear friends. About 40 senior couples came in the same day as us, as well as 6 single sisters called to missions all over the world. It was such a sweet thrill the first morning we met together and sang Called to Serve. That hymn has never meant more to me.  A few of words that really hit me:

Called to serve Him, heav'nly King of glory...
Far and wide his love proclaim...
God our strength will be; press forward ever,
Called to serve our King.