We Left our Nets

29 September 2014

Dear Family,

We had a terrific week at the MTC!!

Monday, a young elder sang, "Oh, That I Were an Angel."  THAT is my favorite missionary song because of Mom, Julie and Vickie performing it in the mission in Santiago.  It was SO beautiful! Then the MTC President's wife, Sister Nally read Matt 4:20 ..."they straightway left their nets, and followed Him." She said, "Don't worry about your home or your families.  They will be taken care of.  I can just stand here and promise you that.  Just reach out.  You are missionaries.  You put on your badge today.  It is your privilege and responsibility to represent Jesus Christ."  

And yesterday after being picked up by the Bishops and attending the Sacrament Meeting program with Tessa, Bree and Drew singing and speaking so amazingly well, we knew we were blessed.  All of you are terrific kids and we love you.  We also received the "Pictures in a Box" book made by Patty and Vance.  We love it!! So very perfect!!!  Thanks.  And by the way, Vance - have a great birthday on the 4th!  Thanks for you being a great Dad and Husband!!  Dear Sadie, we will reach Santiago, Chile, the morning of your birthday.  Have a great one!!  Way to go learning espanol!!  Your Mom was a great help to me in my understanding of verb conjugations.

Because the MTC has so many young elders and sisters, all Senior Missionary training was held at the Stadium Avenue Chapel.  Every morning they had to re-set up all their tables, chairs and computers, so the chapel could function as a ward building at night.  The chapel is at the top of the picture with 2M (Jacob Hamblin) just below the chapel which is where we sleep.  1M is the big building where we eat with all the young elders and sisters and our devotionals on Tuesday and Sunday are held at the big building 19M (Lorenzo Snow Bldg) at the bottom.

We had a great district of 4 couples and wonderful young trainers:  AM Sis Brown and Bro Hawkes and PM was Bros Gubler and Taylor.  Brother Taylor left on Thursday night to drive to California to get engaged.  He is on the right.

The best part of Tuesday was the Devotional.  Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke.  We found Hermana Stringfellow and her companion singing in the choir.  They sang the most beautiful version of "Oh, How Lovely Was the Morning" according to Elder Ballard!  It WAS beautiful and it was so great to see Kimmie having a great experience.  Can you find her in the picture below?

We've had Gospel Library App training, Word and Excel Training as well as Preach My Gospel.  The spirit is here and we are so happy to be serving our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

Love you all so much,
Elder and Hermana Gibson