MTC Experience

The MTC - February 7- February 18, 2022

Those of you who know Rich and I - know this was going to be a challenging two weeks.  

1.  Rich is an excellent student

2.  Vicki has the attention span of a 2 year old

3.  This is a new companionship - you've seen us ride bikes together -  He's miles ahead and I come plodding along.  He's a racehorse and I'm well - you fill in the blank.  

4.  Rich has a sense of humor that is an acquired taste.  

They form you into districts with 3 other couples who are approximately your age - which is well - OLD.  If you multiply the years of experience that 4 OLD couples have and then have a kid who is barely back from his mission teaching said OLD people - then as one of our sister's put it - it's like herding cats.  

There is lots of: 

  • " well that's a good answer"
  •  "that's an interesting thought"
  • "let's get back to the lesson"  - 
  • Pointing to the board with what we are supposed to be learning - "lets look at this now".  There was lots of head shaking from these amazing teachers who had the patience of Job with our crowd.  In all of the herding that was done, it was all with the kindest words.  

The funniest was when there were three assignments coming up and all 8 of us asked the same questions about those assignments. This poor teacher patiently explained it 8 times one day and a few times the next day.  And each time this trainer answered it as if it was a brand new question.  

We took a little self evaluation on how we stacked up on the attributes of Christ.  I barely scored on the patience part- and I'm pretty sure that the trainers at the MTC have to score extremely high to be chosen to work with the Senior Missionaries.  

The first time Rich and I were to give a mini lesson together we failed miserably.  The trainer kindly pointed out that there might be a better way.  Another couple listening in gave us a lesson on getting along.  It was evident that while our companionship problems might have been the most visible ( my body language is very loud) this was a common problem among senior missionaries that have led successful lives independently.  But not to worry - Rich and I are figuring it out.  

There was an abundance of laughter among our group.  There was also an abundance of Christ like love.  From patient trainers to testimonies of miracles allowing these senior couples an opportunity to serve Christ.   

I couldn't have said it better so I copied Sister Jackman's post from her facebook page.  

Sister Jackman wrote:  What a couple of weeks!  We have been pushed, challenged, made to think deeper than we ever thought possible! It was exhausting, exhilarating, humbling and strengthening.  Feeling so grateful and blessed for the gospel that has brought us to this point in our lives. We hope to be good servants and share Christ’s love that has brought us so much joy

Our "F" Troop District.  Fun Fantastic ...........




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