Our grand new adventure has begun.  Last night President Robison, the First Counselor in the Oquirrh Lake Stake, set us apart as full-time missionaries.  Some of the special blessing that Heavenly Father promised was that we would even learn the language faster now as full-time missionaries.  We were promised that our family would be watched over while we are away.  Also, that we would preach the gospel by our example.

We checked into the MTC this morning at 10:15, and most of the day was spent on orientation.  There were about 80 Senior Missionaries that entered the MTC today. We are in a district with six other Senior Missionaries.

President and Sister Burgess, the MTC President (who we met about 10 years ago at Philmont), reminded us of some very important things.  He told us the MTC is the only place, other than the temple, where everybody has to have a recommend to enter.  Sister Burgess shared Luke 18:29-30, "And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife or children, for the kingdom of God's sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in the present time, and in the world to come life everlasting."  She also told us the best way to serve our mission is "One prayer at a time."  President Burgess shared that the MTC is a sacred and holy place.  He told us to enjoy our time at the MTC.  The spirit is the teacher here, and that we would gain an understanding of who we really are.  He finished with Doctrine and Covenants 84:88, "And whoso receiveth you, there will I be also, for I will go before your face.  I will be on your right hand and on you left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up."

We were also asked to be an example to the younger missionaries, and to especially hold each others hand.  They challenged us to be a little kinder than necessary on our missions.  We were told that the best way to share the gospel is to bring the sprit int the meetings.

Sister Taylor gave some counsel, including Ephesians 4:32, "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."