Sunday, November 1, 2009

We entered the Mission Training Center on Monday, Oct. 26

We were blessed to have Jo Ann's sister Carla, in Salt Lake City, volunteer to take our sixteen-year-old dog Rajah while we are in Taiwan. We could not ask for a more loving person to watch over and care for our special family member.

The MTC is a wonderful place with thousands of single and senior missionary couples preparing to serve the Lord all over the world. We are standing in the main hallway where world maps and beautiful artwork are posted. Jo Ann is pointing to our "Taichung, Taiwan" island on the map.

One of our favorite paintings is Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball shouting and waving at their families as they were leaving for their missions. Brigham and Heber were almost too sick to even stand, leaving sick families in the care and mercy of the Lord while they left to serve as missionaries in His service. They shouted "Hurrah, hurrah, hurrah for Israel!" Their wives smiled and were comforted with this parting. Jim has been struggling with some medical problems and we wondered if we would be leaving the same way but the tender mercies of the Lord through some last minute medical specialists have brought him knowledge and relief and we are scheduled to leave as planned.


This is the door knob hanger that we will place on our apartment door as we leave for our mission. We are scheduled to fly from the Salt Lake City airport this Tuesday morning, November 3, for the two-hour flight to Los Angeles and then the 14.5 hour flight to Taiwan. The travel office has been kind to us and have us booked in business class, which is a step up from the economy class. We have eleven elders and one sister who will be traveling with us.



7 comments:

  1. Yay for you guys! You look so happy! You are in our prayers and we love seeing the new updates on your blog! Keep us updated! Love you!

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  2. A blog - how wonderful! All our prayers are with you. We had a wonderful study group on Wednesday, and are thinking of a couple of sisters to ask to join us. Carol Workman is one. They have just barely returned from their mission. I will love keeping informed on this blog in the future. Eileen - PS "Mommas" is the nickname a son gave me. Love you!

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  3. How did I miss all of this? I am so grateful to have "rubbed shoulders" with the two of you. What great examples, and no doubt that you will be an asset in Taiwan. The Lord will bless you, as well. All our best to you.
    TL & Teri

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  4. I'm so excited for you! Taiwan holds a special place in my family's heart. We know you'll be blessed for you service and that you'll make lots of memories there. Love you!

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  5. Thanks for creating and sharing your blog. We are sure it is exciting to be in Taiwan. We have fond memories of Jinan.

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  6. Thanks for inviting us to this wonderful blog! We look up to you two so very much. We love you! Love the Flora Family

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  7. We well remember those few days in the MTC. The spirit is so strong there, which helps to assure you that what you are about to do is possible. Bless you in these first few days. We know part of the challenge, but also know the great blessing you will be to your president and to the missionaries...thus reaping such blessings yourself. We love you.

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