Our week at the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah
Day One
On Monday Feb 10, my brother Keith picked us up from the SLC airport and dropped us off at the Mission Training Center (MTC) in Provo. We were one of about 40 missionary couples to arrive that day. The onboarding process was amazingly smooth, including young missionaries lined up to take our bags to our room, followed by orientation and a tour of the campus.
Our District
We were teamed with three other couples. In a very short time, we have grown to love them all - such great people! The are headed to Independence MO, Ethiopia, and Spain, respectively. Our daily classes, where we learn listening and teaching skills, are taught by college students (Sister Rodrigues and Brother Kidd). They are wonderful - excellent teachers and beautiful people! (Chris and I are no pictured, as we are off the right - outside the frame of this photo taken in landscape mode. But you've already seen enough of us!)
It's Cold Here
Us Californians are not used to the cold - it's been in the 20s and 30s every day here! Love the mini-snowman created by these fun-loving Elders!
Dinner with Friends
We snuck away from the MTC one evening to have dinner with our dear friends Brian & Kim and my brother/sister-in-law Keith & Lynn Ann. Brian and I served together as young missionaries in Sao Paulo, Brazil. And even more of a bonding experience was our time together in the MTC. Brian & Kim recently returned from a mission to Portugal - was wonderful to hear more about their experiences!
So Much Positive Energy
We loved connection with this three-some companionship of Sister missionaries who are native Spanish speakers. They had just arrived at the MTC and really seemed to enjoy our interactions - and they at least acted like they could understand my Spanish with a Portuguese flair. We enjoy bumping to each other around campus.
Portugal, Here we Come!
Hold on not so fast. Our Church legal team has determined that the visas issued two weeks ago will not permit us to drive while in Portugal. After consulting with our mission leaders in Portugal, a decision was made to resubmit visa applications. It will take about a month for a new visas to be issued. So in the meantime, we will be reassigned to another role, such as serving in the Church Family History Library in Salt Lake.
Our training has emphasized being flexible - and we are Exhibit A! Stay tuned - will share information about our new assignment soon.
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Great to hear from you guys! Looks like you’re already having fun. Looking forward to experiencing your mission adventures via this blog, Much love, Jackie & Mark xx
It’s so great to get this first update and photos! I love the blog format and you can print it one day! I’m so excited for your adventures! You first wrinkle of “the right kind of visa”, is par for the course of real missionaries. If you land in the family history library for a bit the knowledge you gain there will be able to be used in the mission field. Everyone wants to know about their family! Chris you look so beautiful . You are glowing. You look great too Dave! Always praying for you, Teresa
Oh my gosh, I love reading about your experiences. I hope you packed enough warm clothes for your extended stay in SLC! How wonderful that Chris's friend will be close by in Lisbon when you finally get to Portugal.
Thanks for putting together this blog you guys! Sounds like you’re having a great experience, keep your light shining brightly!
So fun to hear from you and to see the photos! You both look wonderful and happy. I imagine you are anxious to get to Portugal, but the Family History Library (FamilySearch Library?) will be lucky to have you for a while. You'll be enthusiastic ambassadors anywhere you go. Stay warm! Linda and David B
Elder & Sister Longhurst, fortunately you have packed your patience (and only a few bags to schlep around) while you wait to fly to Portugal. We love you both and are praying for you. Love, Brian & Kim Snelson
It was a pleasure meeting you and Sister Longhurst and getting to know you both. We hope you enjoy the next couple of weeks at the family history centre before you embark on your adventures in Portugal.
Thrilled to receive your first blog and with pictures awesome! Sounds like you are right into it. You both look so happy. Hope your visa comes through quickly for you. Enjoy your new assignment while you wait. Always in our prayers. Love you💗
Thanks all who have shared their words of support. We love and appreciate you!
Élder e Sister Longhurst, K just gave me the best news ever - YOU’RE GOING TO MY MISSION IN PORTUGAL! :) :) :) Never, back on the 33rd floor in Seattle, never in a million years did I imagine you might ever serve with my very own Portuguese people! I’m so excited for you, you’re both in for a wonderful adventure among the most loving, generous, selfless and wonderful people you’ll ever know♥️ I’d love to help in any w ay I possibly can, and do happen to have a splendid 2-pg. language proficiency shortcut I can share, just email me if you’re interested. Que Giro meu amigo e que benção será!
Com Amor,
Duane
P.S. pode ser “Vitor”, algumas não conseguiam “Bitner” lá e afinal fiquei Élder Vitor :)
P.P.S. So happy to see Rod Fuhriman’s comment & know you’re friends. We were freshman dorm buddies the year he met Kris & he’s still a good friend
P.P.P.S. :) Se é o mesmo Portugal conheçí é melhor estar preparation servir 2-4 meses no Palouse. Em 1986 a cultura lá chamava-se “paciência” e de vez em quando umas pessoas esperaram “grexo” (“grease”, i.e. a bribe). Just be prepared & maybe there’s a good reason if that happens.