05-07-2019 - MTC Experiences by Rod

So we have only been here for 2 days but we have covered so much material and had so many great experiences that it seems a lot longer than that. Over the two weeks prior to coming here to the MTC Carol and I were able to sit in on the Mission Health Council for three different missions. The meetings are video conferences with the Mission President and his wife, the Area Medical Adviser and his wife, the Area Mental Health Adviser, the mission nurse and a representative from LDS Family Services. The meetings last 1-1 ½ hours. It was really quite fun to be a fly on the wall and take a little peek into what we will be doing.

I was so anxious to finally get to work and do what we have been waiting 6 months to do that I told several people that I wished we could skip the MTC. After all, I had read Preach My Gospel several times and I thought I could skip that part. I was quite completely mistaken. I have learned things and received insights that I would never have been able to do on my own. And we have made great friends, even though we only met them yesterday afternoon.

Our companion couple are from Kennewick, Washington. He is a retired army doctor and is going to serve as the Area Medical Adviser in Denver. Then they, like us, already have several missions lined up. They will serve in Gilbert Arizona next and then will serve in New Zealand just before we do, so we will see them again when we arrive there to take their place. Talking to them is like talking to our clones. They have seven children like we do. But they have one biological child and adopted 6 children, several with special needs. We had six biologic children and adopted one. They have had similar life experiences to ours and similar challenges. We will be with them this week and again next week in SLC.

Had to take our picture with the famous MTC Map of the World!

Well it is time for bed. I am surprised how tired I am when all I did is sit in a classroom all day. As you know the meals are pretty good but they seem to come sooner than meals at home. We often don’t eat lunch until 1 or 1:30 and here we eat at noon. And dinner here is around 5pm, when we often didn't eat until 6 or 7. The time between dinner and breakfast however sure seems long and I was starving when it was time for breakfast this morning. Best wishes to you all.
Elder Merrell

There were a number of inspiring images and scriptures at the MTC.  The following images were about 10' x 30' making us feel like we were experiencing the moment with these prophets of God.  These are our favorites.

God reveals to Moses the workmanship of His hands.
"And I have a work for thee, Moses, my son."
Moses 1:6
(What role do I have in God's plan?)

Nephi prepares to enter Jerusalem to obtain the brass plates from Laban.
"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
1 Nephi 4:6
(How am I being led?)

The brother of Jared prepares sixteen stones to present to the Lord.
"And the Lord said unto the brother of Jared: What will ye that I should do that ye may have light in your vessels?"
Ether 2:23
(How am I acting in faith?)

The sons of Mosiah go forth to bring many to the knowledge of their Redeemer.
"They taught with power and authority of God."
Alma 17:3
(How can I teach with the power of God?)