Primer Dia y Feliz Cumpleanos

Welcome to the Missionary Training Center

Take picture in front of map. Check!

We are officially checked in.  While last week was just that, a lot of lasts,  yesterday and today have been filled with a lot of firsts.

I got my first missionary tag (Dalene), got to take a picture with a famous person and LOTS of people we are meeting for the first time.

(John): Its been 37ish years since I was here.  Fun to feel the familiar MTC spirit and even funner to have my choice companion with me.  How blessed am I?! Dalene "sparkles" as she interacts and meets all these new people and experiences.  She reminds me of a much younger "Superwoman Cluff" who could do anything, was afraid of nothing, and loved everybody.  She's a great missionary already and will be even more so.

As we went to the fireside last night here, Vai Sikahema spoke. Prior to the fireside though the auditorium filled with missionaries, the large majority younger. We sang missionary songs together, including Primary missionary songs like Army of Helaman, and it became VERY real and pretty touching that we are THEM now.  I don't feel this old, but all of these younger Elders and Sisters are young enough to be our kids.  We watch them with great fondness, knowing the Lord will do great wonders with these wonderful, weak things.

There are so many wonderful senior couples here too and getting ready to head out in all directions; Hong Kong, Cambodia, South Africa, Phillipines, Germany, Church historical sights and lots to Church Family History. We are making fast friends with so many of them. Absolutely amazing!

We miss our children and grandchildren already, but know this is where we need to be.  We have had several assurances that the Lord will bless our children and family while we serve.  What more could we ask?

And for the record, I have been sung to twice for my birthday!  Dalene walked me down to BYU Creamery for birthday ice cream too.  Not sure if it was for her or for me... Pretty unbelievable birthday present to get to spend the first day in the MTC!!

(Dalene) It is his BIRTH-AS-A-SENIOR-MISSIONARY DAY!!  And yes he is wearing his birthday SUIT.  He will be wearing it for 18 months.....