Leaving Provo

We are nearing the end of our CLE instruction. About half of the original seniors have stayed for the training, which is held in the same LDS chapel that hosted the missionary classes last week. The church building, just north of the MTC, is shared with two Provo wards. Three CES instructors have energetically presented the latest teaching methods. A church security specialist (former CIA) arrived late this afternoon with a presentation on personal safety. It was particularly focused on those travelling to foreign countries. He joked that he couldn't do much for those going to Africa.

Another large Marriott Center devotional was conducted this evening, the speaker this time: Elder Robert C. Gay, of the First Quorum of Seventy, Yes, he is the one who spoke about business morality and service at Oliver's Business School graduation in 2002. That talk was so exceptional that I circulated it to all of the LDS attorneys in the DA's office. The remarks tonight concerned missionary work. Shortly after the graduation talk he was called as a mission president. His comments tonight were punctuated with several poignant mission experiences, including some from his first mission to Spain. When he received his call as a mission president, it only specified a Spanish language country. He bought a Spanish grammar book to recover his skills and asked his wife if she would like him to purchase a Rosetta Stone application for her. She declined, finally declaring that their mission would be in Africa, not a Spanish speaking country. Elder Gay asked her to explain what part of the First Presidency call-letter she didn't understand. Of course, with only days to go, he was notified of a change by Elder Ballard. The new assignment was Ghana, Africa. We have noticed several of the new mission presidents arriving the past two days.

Our experience here has been profound. We will miss the personal concern and professionalism of our leaders, the energy of the young missionaries and the examples of the other seniors. We feel guilt passing the crowds outside of the MTC post office en route to our room here. It is a popular place. As we were eating lunch Friday, one young Elder entered the cafeteria and yelled, "No mail - again." We maybe should have sent more packages to Erin.


We will probably NOT miss the cafeteria meals. The sweet potato fries are too tempting. I began with salads, but soon discovered that I will eat a lunch hamburger everyday if it is available.











We will be leaving the MTC tomorrow afternoon.