OMI WRITES: We had a lovely weekend with family. Friday late afternoon we drove to Adam and Jan's house in Cedar Hills. They took us to dinner at a Chinese restaurant (FONGS!) in Pleasant Grove and then we had ice cream cones (50¢ for a huge one) at a Macey's store. We visited for a while then spent the night at their house. We got up early and went to the Mt. Timpanogos Temple. Afterward Jan prepared a lovely breakfast and we visited a while more.

We drove up to the Salt Lake Valley and picked up Hilary then met the Daws at TGIFriday. After lunch we all drove to Gerlachs' to visit with them and Linzi, Evy, and Charlotte. I couldn't believe how much that baby has grown! She is a roly-poly little darling. We then divided up and Opa went home with Scott and the children while Brittany, Hilary and I went shopping for makeup for me. It was so fun to be pampered and cosseted by my girls! We had to hurry to get Hilary home in time for her writing group meeting.

Sunday we spent with the Daws, attending church with them and then cooking and eating dinner (delicious roast, rolls, potatoes and gravy, fresh-from-the-garden-spinach-salad, bacon wrapped green beans, and jumbleberry pie). So fun. We then drove back to the MTC in time for an inspiring fireside. Altogether a wonderful weekend.

OPA WRITES: Friday May 20 was the last day for some of the senior missionaries we have been meeting with. We had a "farewell" meeting in which everyone had a chance to express their feelings about the events of the week. Some of the things that were mentioned and that we also observed were:

1) When we arrived we noticed how well organized things were without it being over structured or strict. It was very efficient, it has to be with 2000 missionaries there, but there was a warm feeling of helpfulness and concern. There was good will all around. At first I thought that the place is so ideal, it was almost surreal. Beautiful grounds, functional and attractive buildings and everyone there well-dressed and well-mannered. Of course, people here aren't perfect, but I doubt there are many places that could have such a pervasive feeling of good will and harmony. The light of Christ permeates the atmosphere.

2) I was surprised at the mix of people from so many lands. Polynesian, Chinese, African, Japanese, Korean, European, etc. When you observe the missionaries, especially in the lunch room, you realize that this is really a world-wide church. Also, when you get talking to the missionaries and they tell you where they are going, the global effort of the church is even more impressive.

3) The instruction was excellent. There have been a lot of improvements since I spent my week in the Mission Home in Salt Lake City 50 years ago. The teachers were university students but they were well selected. We never had the feeling of "What can these young people teach me?" It was very hands on. We participated in teaching/learning experiences. You learn a lot by doing, not just listening to a presentation. I thought about how Devan is involved in the learning model at BYU-I and wondered if this instruction is similar to what they are doing at BYU-I. We learned a lot about teaching by the spirit rather than rote memorization. It is important to listen to what people are saying and respond to that, rather than just trying to present a lesson.

4) Working with our fellow senior missionaries was a pleasant experience. There is a good feeling of camaraderie. We are all anxious, willing to serve but concerned about our ability to serve, health issues, family concerns, etc. But we're all in this together and we want everyone to succeed. One of the senior missionaries said: "Disneyland isn't the happiest place on earth: the MTC is."

5) I've had some anxious moments since we arrived here. I have all the confidence in the world in Ginger, but I sometimes feel that I'm in way over my head. But, as we prepared to leave that farewell meeting, we were left with this promise from the eighty-eighth verse of the eighty-fourth section of the Doctrine and Covenants: "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

Thank you for your prayers in our behalf. We will give all our hearts to the wonderful cause in which we are engaged.

The third day

We had the opportunity to practice teach this morning. It was sort of "role playing" where we met with an "investigator" in a home-like setting and taught her as if she were a new contact. It was very interesting, even inspiring, and we found that we work very well together, knowing just when to take over from each other.

We also have had some very pleasant discussions with other senior missionaries especially at meals. We are all impressed with the very great good will that we see in the other missionaries, teachers, and everyone involved. The sheer numbers of people -- and especially the diversity of ethnicities -- is astounding. Not as much diversity among the seniors, though. We have two sisters from Germany (going to France) and one from France (going to Virginia) and of the rest, about half are from Idaho. Speaking of which, we saw Ryan Thurston on our first day here, and our vetrinarian who is going to Nauvoo to work with oxen!

Thanks to you all for your love and support.

Today was our second day at the Mission Training Center as we prepare to serve in the California San Diego Mission. We met in classes today and it was very interesting and helpful. This evening we attended a devotional at which Elder Richard G. Hinckley of the Seventy spoke, along with his wife, Jane Freed Hinckley. She grew up with Jess and was a good friend of Aunt Janet. We had the opportunity to talk with her after the meeting. She and Jess reminisced about many mutual friends. Such gracious people. It was a wonderful experience to meet with all of the young missionaries and to hear them sing and feel their youthful enthusiasm.

Please continue to pray for us as we try to learn all we need to know to be effective missionaries.

"Shall we not go on in so great a cause?"