Our MTC Experience

March 10-16, 2014- Lynda This week has been exciting, rewarding and spiritual. We started on Monday, along with 108 Senior Missionaries going all over the world, with an orientation and being put into Districts. We had 3 couples and two sOingle sisters in our District. Our instructor in the morning was Bro. Keddington, and afternoon with Elder Defigereado. Bro. Keddington served in England and was very excited to help us get to know about England. Elder D. was amazing as well. In our district we had; Elder and Sister Shelley, from Murrrieta, California who are going to Chicago, Illinois to be Member & Leadership Support Missionaries (MLS), Elder and Sister Harwood from Tetonia, ID. are going to Nauvoo, (along with 15 other couples) Elder Harwood was our District Leader, Sister Moraga is from all over most reciently St. George, UT. She will be doing Auxilliary Support in Washington DC, it is a new type of Mission and not much training available. Sister Ellison, also from all over, most recently from Hawaii, is a Nurse and will be helping in 4 Missions in the Philippines, Then us Elder and Sister Cummings, serving in the England London South Temple Visitors Center from Ammon, Idaho. We found that in our large group, there were lots of couples that were "Live at home missionaries" that are called to serve as full time missionaries in their own Stakes. They will work with the young Elders and Sisters and help them teach, fellowship, and find new investigators. Most of them are from the Salt Lake Valley, but this type of Mission is something that is expanding. There was even a couple going to the Ukraine. (Hopefully)... We were trained on how to love the people we teach, and bring them a message, according to their individual needs.This was done using lots of role playing. On Tues, Wed, we were set up with some volunteers from the community acting as if they were non-members or in-actives. We had to get to know them first, then teach a lesson. It was a little nerve wracking but rewarding. They were very patient with us. Even though we made some mistakes, you could still feel the Spirit of our Heavenly Father testifying to them of the truth of our message. On Thurs. we had to take the role of an in-active, we knew, and we were taught by another set of Missionaries from another District. We then reversed the roles. It was very enlightening to be on both sides. You gain a whole new perspective. The people we taught were portraying a son and daughter-in law from Pocatello. The couple they portrayed were having marital problems as well as some drug abuse. It was tearing the family apart. It was heart wrenching to hear their story. We listen to the Spirit and were able to give them some comfort and ideas that they could use. They were so grateful and thanked us for the new ideas that they will try with their family. Everyone has challenges in their lives. I am so grateful that we have a close knit family who love and support each other. Tues night our devotional speaker was Elder Don R Clarke of the Seventy. Such a great meeting about patterns of Faith, and love. Friday was an easier day, full of many last minute instructions, as many would be leaving that day to head out for their Mission assignments. Saturday was our P-Day. We slept in and went to breakfast at the Village Inn. I needed to pick up a few things so we did some shopping then went to the movie "The Son of God" It is a wonderful Movie. Very well done !! We ate an early dinner at PF Changs and then come home and did laundry. (also had to have some Ice Cream from the BYU Creamry :) ) Today started early with breakfast at 6:45 then Sacrament Meeting, The Sounds of Sunday broadcast, and two other meetings. (Relief Society speaker was Sister Stevens, 1st counselor in the General Primary Presidency.) Lunch and now Dad is taking a nap. Dinner is at 4:30 followed by a departure devotional, another devotional, and then movies if we want to stay and watch them. All the days are full and very busy. It was really cool today as we came to lunch. There was a Deacons quorum visiting the MTC. They came to Sacrament Meeting and to have lunch with the Missionaries. There were also some families that their grandchildren were visiting and having dinner with their grandparents also. I wish you guys lived closer so you could have experienced that too. Next week on Monday morning, we meet at Temple Square in SLC for Visitor Center Training. Then back to the MTC for more VC training on Tues and Wed. til noon. (hopefully see you Steve, Mindy and whomever), RE-pack our bags, do laundry and catch a flight on Thursday for London. I have gone on way too long but we have really had a wonderful week. We have loved getting text messages from you, keeping up with what is happening in school, at home, with "Bo", Jen's dog, "March Madness", and the progress of the painting in the bedrooms.Thanks for all the help and support while we are away. We know our "Stuff" is in good hands. We hope you have a wonderful week. Kylee good luck this week at State Finals, and Bryson with your March Madness. The rest of you grandkids, keep being the greatest example you can be. We love you all very much. Grandpa Mike and Grandma Lynda - aka Elder & Sister Cummings