On Wednesday June 24, 2009, we entered the Missionary Training Center. Upon arrival, we received our Missionary name tags. We are honored to represent the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and feel the weight of responsibility that accompanies our assignment. The Missionary Training Center is a sacred and powerful place where we feel the Spirit confirm our testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today we have enjoyed the privilege of listening to the voices of Apostles and members of the Seventy, including President Eyring, Elder Perry, Elder Ballard, Elder Hinckley, Elder Neuenschwander, Elder Garn, and others. We have also been privileged to be with Elder Oaks, Elder Holland, Elder Texiera, Sister Lant, Sister Dalton, and other members of the General Auxiliary presidencies as well as the Presiding Bishopric of the Church. Our Heavenly Father loves His Missionaries. Parents, please do not worry about your Missionaries in the MTC; they are in loving and capable hands. The MTC is a wonderful place, and the food is delicious! Many people here tell us of the beauty and splendor of Santiago, and our love for the Chilean people and our Missionaries is growing daily.

Set Apart

What a blessing it is to be set apart as full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Elder Gonzalez of the Seventy counseled with us and our family yesterday in Elder Scott's Salt Lake City office, and then they placed their hands upon our heads and set us apart. We know that through these good men and the power of the Priesthood, our Heavenly Father was able to speak to us and carefully instruct us concerning our family, our Missionaries and our Mission. We certainly feel an added measure of strength and love as we prepare to enter the MTC today. After we were set apart, we walked through Temple Square admiring the beauty and feeling the serenity, and then our family took this picture of us by the Salt Lake Temple.

With love...we work together in the garden of God!

President Laycock and I will speak in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, June 21 at 9:00 AM in the Alpine 3rd Ward...Father's Day. For us, this is a mini-miracle. When President Laycock served his first mission to Argentina, he spoke on Father's Day before leaving. Then when he returned, he reported on Father's Day. Our son, Logan spoke on Father's Day before leaving for his mission in the Philippines. Now we have the blessing to speak on Father's Day before we enter the MTC on Wednesday, June 24. For us this is a "tender mercy" from our Father in Heaven saying: "I am your Father. I know all things from the beginning to the end. Trust me."

On Monday June 29th we will leave the Salt Lake airport and fly to Santiago. Our family will travel with us and remain in Santiago for a few days. We are looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of this great and marvelous work. Our hearts are full of gratitude and love, and we are so thankful for your prayers and support.