Thoughts from the Missionary Training Center

This place is big! This became most evident at the Tuesday night devotional when all 2000+ were together in the same room. We had a great message from Elder David Evans of the Seventy but the best part was the singing.  All those voices united in power was impressive, even if just singing a simple hymn.   Also impressive is the amount of food the cafeteria puts out three times a day! Unfortunately, it is "all you can eat" and quite edible too. It's a good thing that we are only here five days or I would have to get my pants enlarged. It is great to feel the enthusiasm of the young elders and sisters. We all truly have the Spirit.  Today is the day that a new batch of young missionaries arrived and we tried to imagine all the tearful farewells that took place today, reminding us of our farewell just two days ago.  We have learned so much that it seems that we must have been here longer than that. I am surprised at how many young sister missionaries are here. It is thrilling that so many of our young women are able to serve. They are such effective ambassadors for the church. This week's batch of senior missionaries is almost 100, including us. A new group arrives every week and while our group is larger than average, larger ones will be arriving in the next few weeks. We have a large contingent that are going to Nauvoo to increase their staff for the tourist season. They have to provide their own period costumes and will be driving to Illinois. Others are going to Ecuador, DR Congo and India. We have been spending much of our time in practice teaching situations and for many of the exercises Jolene and I have been paired as companions much as we would be in the future. This kind of teaching isn't our main responsibility but we may have some opportunity to do it. I have been impressed with what a good teacher Jolene is. She is so skilled at really connecting with people and expresses herself so well! I think her training work of the last few years has really left a positive mark on her. I hope we will have many opportunities to teach together in the future. --- Ralph