and the journey begins ...

this is the place!

Philippines Olongapo Mission

Well, our homes were secured and we arrived at the MTC in Provo late last Saturday night, weary from the all the preparation and international travel that preceded our journey here, but excited about what the weeks here would bring.  Entering the cafeteria on Sunday morning and seeing approximately 1000 young missionaries was overwhelming!  Their spirit and enthusiasm were evident and it has been a joy interacting with them throughout the week.  the work of the Lord is in excellent hands!

Our teachers have been fantastic and the teaching experiences intimidating and humbling but we are learning to rely on the Spirit to guide and it has not let us down.  The first day, they asked a question, "Who will you bring to Christ?" and i couldn't help but feel that my answer was, "me".  I've been learning the Gospel my whole life but nothing prepared me for the feelings I would have here.  My eyes are raw from crying (not from sadness but from an overabundance of spiritual feelings) and, while i don't want it to end, my poor eyes just can't take much more!

Tomorrow we begin four days of much needed office training.  we are hoping it brings some clarity to what our assignments may be in the Mission Office.  then friday morning we head to the airport bound for Seattle > Tokyo > Manila, where we will spend a few days getting acclimated and also picking up Philippine drivers licenses!  Yikes!  Our Mission President, President Dahle, and his wife will then retrieve us and drive us the three hours to our new home in Subic for the next 18 months.  

i still can't believe this is happening.  i have been blessed in so many ways already, and i know Diane feels the same.  i can't imagine what God has in store for each of us but i'm going forward with faith and know it will be fantastic!!!