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.