Miranda: MTC Pictures

First Day at the MYC

First Companion: Sister Cross and I on our First Day as Missionaries

Sister Mills (My MTC Teacher)

Temple Walk

District with Brother Gallo (MTC Teacher)

MTC District

My MTC District: Elder ??, Elder Poulson, Elder Hainsworth, Elder Nillson, Sister DeBosque, Sister Tanuvasa, Me, Sister Cross, Elder Dean, Elder ??, Elder Bean, Elder ??

Goodbye Miranda: We Love You!

We said goodbye to Miranda Wednesday, early at the Oakland Airport.  Miranda is going to serve and 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Twin Falls, Idaho.  This was after going to visit President Maxfield Tuesday where Miranda was set apart.  In addition to us and President Maxfield, Mark and Diana were there.   Sheri and Miranda had visited the temple earlier that day.  It seems Miranda was often at the temple the month before she left.  She and I had gone on Saturday.

Miranda's bags were by the door ready for a couple days

Setting apart at the Chester Building

He bags made weight (It's a miracle as I hefted them both)

Last pictures

With Mama

There she goes

We received proof that she had arrived from the Morgans.  They met her in Salt Lake and gave her a ride to the MTC.

MTC

With Brooke

Caleb's MTC Pictures

Brother Wiseman and his wife, 2nd Counselor "Love them to death"

President and Sister Ohman Branch President

President and Sister Menlove (1st Counselor Branch Presidency)

District and Sister Stanford teacher (pink sweater)

Elder Nelson, me, Elder Raddatz (companions)

Behind the Temple chillin

district

pillows

Bro. Roberts teacher, "Super sweet guy"

Caleb was in a threesome.  He was the district leader and his companions the zone leaders.

My Thought On Caleb's First Couple Letters

I have had some thoughts on Caleb's first couple letters, and then a bit of missionary advise I found in the Deseret News.  First Caleb said he is going to be singing in the choir, on of 1300.  I imagine he is singing today.  He may also be singing at a fireside.  Caleb loves to sing.  He is much more accomplished than I.  Where I at his age was always a follower, he has been a leader, and usually leads with the right notes.  Lack of confidence makes one a follower, and that is where I often was in singing; however now I usually have confidence singing bass an less so tenor.  Caleb is a natural tenor.
Caleb also said there are 3000 missionaries now at the MTC.  That would mean almost half sing in the choir.  However, I think he is short on his number.  They were up to 3800 a couple months ago, and there are more missionaries now than then.  Maybe he meant to say 5000, I will have to ask him.
He has had nothing but positive things to say about his experience.  He keeps leaving subtle hints for Miranda, encouraging her to join him in the mission field.  Miranda will find he own path.
Caleb has been serving as the district leader, which he says is hard, as he prays of how best to serve the other missionaries in his district.  He did meet the mission president at the MTC.  He is having a good time.  He says the food is good, but runs through him.  I had the same experience there 35 years ago.  It is different eating institutional food when compared to your momma's cooking.
As for me, I have missed Caleb.  We are redistributing his chores.  I think Tony has missed him the most, but we are all adjusting.
Caleb is flying to Iowa this Wednesday, 28th.  Sheri says he gets to call.  Even though it has only been a couple days, it will be nice to talk with him. 
http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1717/11/Be-yourself-11-cant-miss-tips-for-successful-LDS-missionaries.html
Now as for missionary advise.  This article list 11 things.  Five of them have to do with obedience.  Be obedient, have faith that obedience will lead to blessings etc.  It also talks about being loving five times in different ways: don't judge other missionaries, serve you companions, give praise, love those you teach, love everyday.  It concludes with "Be yourself."