We entered the MTC on 19 April 2010 and experienced wonderful trainers for Preach My Gospel, terrific volunteers who allowed us to practice on them, special new friends, excellent CES training and great inspiring devotionals. The Jacob Hamblin building was under construction, the food was amazing and we worked hard. We were able to hear from Elder Kevin Pearson of the Seventy with his wife, Elder L. Tom Perry with his wife, the full MTC Presidency and their wives. We Relief Society sisters were able to also hear from the daughter of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. Yes, she was the daughter who "started to go on the blind date with the father who came to pick up her sister for a babysitting job...." Elder Pearson taught us the single most important principle to internalize for the mission: You have been called to succeed and to not be average. (...as there are no average people in the Celestial Kingdom through the Atonement). We learned that disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ pray consistently that they will be given the Holy Ghost (who will teach us all things that we should do). The MTC presidency taught us that the Lord takes all we have to offer and He makes it better.
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The day we entered was a beautiful day. Becky and Angie drove us to the Super 8 as they were full at the MTC housing because others' visas had been delayed and because the volcano in Iceland had caused flight cancellations. The Argentina flag was the first to greet us and we felt right at home. The blossoms were on the trees and then rain and even a slight snow came during our time. It was all beautiful.
President Smith spoke again to us just before we left. He said, "I send you from this place with our love and confidence armed with power." He quoted 3 Nephi 5:13. "Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of Him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life." He reminded us that "As you put on the nametag, you literally take upon yourself the name of Jesus Christ - act accordingly with love, respect and dignity."
We left Provo with beautiful weather on 29 April 2010 to meet with the Military Relations Department on the 20th floor of the Church Office Building in Salt Lake. During our training the storm began.
