MTC and 1st week in Mission Field

We finally have internet in our apartment.  I have much to catch up on my blog.  The past week and a half have gone by so fast.  We had a inspiring and wonderful five days in the MTC.  They taught us how to use "Preach My Gospel".  This is the manual for missionaries on how to effectively preach the Gospel.  The one point that it stresses is to always teach with the Spirit.  It is the spirit that converts.  I know that it is an inspired program as I look back on my early mission where we had set discussions.  I would encourage all members of the Church to get this book. 

We were privileged to attend a Devotional last Tuesday evening.  Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke to us.  He spoke on prayer.  He also gave an Apostalic blessing for all the missionaries who are learning a language.  Elder Gubler and I were in tears most of the meeting.  There were approximately 2,000 missionaries in attendance with many more in an overflow room.  A choir, consisting of young Elder and Sister missionaries sang.  I can honestly say that the choir sounded like Angels among us.  The spirit was so strong.

Our journey to the Mission Field started at 3:00 a.m. Saturday morning.  We arrived in Trinidad at 10:00 p.m. that evening.  Our first night was spent at a Bed & Breakfast, called Norma's.  That Sunday was spent attending Church meetings at a small Branch and a Youth fireside, with Elder Cornish (a member of the Seventy) and a newly called area authority, Elder Claude R. Garriette (a former West Indies Mission President).  The day was ended with a dinner with several Senior Couples.

Elder and Sister Monson, a senior couple from St. George, UT, have been educating us about the mission and the area.  They have been wonderful.  Elder Monson use to work for Bain Capital, Mitt Romney's company.  They are just a few years older than us and we have a lot of similarities.  Their apartment is right next to ours.  I know we will be the best of friends.

We have been given the assignment of overseeing the Apartments of the Mission while we wait for our Visas for Suriname.  This assignment has been neglected, so we will try and get it more organized before we leave.  We have also been assigned to attend a small Branch and be what they call shadow leaders.  A shadow leader is to assist and train the leaders of small branches and wards.  Most of the Bishops and Branch Presidents are young men, some newly baptized or returned missionaries.

We have spent the last few days getting settled in our apartment and helping at the Mission Office.  We were given a car.  They drive like the English drive on the left hand side of the road.  Elder Gubler is doing an excellent job of driving.  Thank heavens for the several trips we took to Great Britain.  He is also trying to learn the language.  He's doing a better job than I am. 


I will close as it is late and I have an early morning tomorrow.  I have included several pictures from the MTC.