Missionary Training Center

It seems to be a tradition at the MTC that you stand in front of a world map and identify the mission field to which you have been assigned.    George and I win the prize for the most "exotic" and everyone remembers that we are going to the Zambia  mission.   Actually one couple is going to Benin but no one knows where that is so they don't get as much attention.  That is pretty exotic to me.

You have to look really hard to find Blantyre, Malawi.

There were about 45 couples and 96 people in total that entered the MTC the day that we did.  This is  one third of the group.

On the first day, we were organized into districts.  Our district is composed of four couples and we have grown quite close during the week.  We have classes together in the morning and again in the afternoon.  The most memorable occasions are when we role play and determine the best way to share our knowledge and feelings about the gospel.  Role-playing has never been easy for either George or me but after getting over our first discomfort, we have found that it is very effective for learning how to connect with people.  Really, it is just good solid advice for how to be a better listener and a better friend.  And did I mention that the eight of us laugh and have a great time too! 

The Seamons are from Ferron, UT.  They are headed to the
Marshall Islands and specifically Christmas Island.

The Barleys will be an office couple in the Wisconsin Milwaukee mission.
They are from Farmington, UT.

The Labrums, from Carrollton, TX, are going to the Kentucky Louisville mission.

One of the absolutely best parts about the MTC is working with the instructors.  You would think that they would have older instructors so they could "relate" to us.  Instead, we had two delightful students/ returned missionaries.  In the morning, we met with Elder Teuscher (which happens to be the name of my favorite Swiss chocolates!).  He is quick on this feet, very bright, has a great sense of humor.  I'm sure he doesn't know quite what to do with us sometimes because we frequently take issue with what he is trying to teach us. 

 Elder Teuscher is a real bright spot in our day.

Sister Bennion teaches us in the afternoon.  She is so sweet that we don't give her such a difficult time!

Sister Bennion served her mission in Ukraine.

During our breaks we try to walk around, socialize, take care of business (I am frequently in the technical support office, of course), or check on tickets at the travel office.  We had to get an additional shot (polio) and go through an orientation on malaria.  It looks like we will take the daily pill of doxycycline.  What shocked me was that the doctor walked us through what would happen if we DID get malaria!  It's a nasty business and I will do all that I can - take my pills, spray with Deet, and keep tight screens on our apartment. 

Today we spotted this photo on the wall in one of the hallways.

It is a picture of a baptism somewhere in Africa.  Note the "protectors" at the side of the river carrying clubs and spears...just in case the crocodiles start getting any ideas!

After our classes on Wednesday, we walked down to BYU campus, making a stop at the creamery.

Some people really hope there is ice cream in Malawi!