We are just three weeks away from entering the MTC. Since we received our call back in November, things have been happening on a steady pace. One thing we have discovered is that going to the Philippines is like buying a new car. Let me explain. When you get a new car you think you will be the only one driving it until you hit the freeway and see others driving by with the exact car as you have.
Well going to the Philippines is somewhat like that. Since we announced our call, people have been coming out of the woodwork. They have either served in the Philippines or they know somebody who has. There has been no lack of support from all sorts of people to prepare us for this mission. The people we have met, have been so kind and have gone out of their way to provide us with information, suggestions and recommendations as to what to expect in the Philippines too what we should and should not take with us. The more we meet with people the more it seems like we are not going to miss much while serving in the Philippines.
We certainly have had to change our thinking when it comes to clothing and such. Hopefully we will be prepared for the Philippine climate and if not I guess we will just get what we don't have over there. Our biggest concern was our medications but through a lot of effort we have obtained a years supply which has been a great savings for us. According to the Mission Nurse we can get refills over there when and if necessary.
The one thing we have discovered from all those we have meet is their expressions of love for the Philippines people. There has been such an outpouring of love and respect for the people and the church members. We are actually quite excited to get there.
We have been in contact with Elder & Sister Mather the couple we will be replacing. They have been so cordial and helpful by answering all of our questions or researching things for us. I really cannot express enough our thanks for all the support we have received from so many people.
We received our invitation to the MTC and look forward to that experience again. Our dear friends the Pains who are in our study group will be entering the MTC the same time so we are looking forward to helping them when and where we can. We will be one week at the MTC and the we will follow up with three days of PEF training which location has not yet been determined. We indicated that we would prefer a Salt Lake training rather that in Provo - we will see?
Family wise everything is great. Our new grandson along with mom and dad are doing just great. We feel the support from all the kids so that makes going on this mission much more meaningful.
