new missionaries

Last night 16 new Elders and Hermanas arrived at the CCM.  It was very interesting to see these new missionaries get off the bus from the airport.  Actually only 15 arrived because Sister Young missed her flight or connection or something and didn't get here until several hours later on another flight. They got off the CCM bus and came into the Thomas S. Monson  building. They were given a packet of information and then were sent into the rest room to use the bathroom and wash their hands from airport germs.  Next they had an orientation from Sister Call, the wife of the counselor to the President.  She showed them a slide presentation.  They put on their missionary name badges, were told where they would be living and that the water was safe to drink.  She told them this training center had been dedicated by Dallin H. Oakes and that he had declared it a safe haven from the world.  They were assured that they were safe and would be well cared for.  The new missionaries then went into a computer lab and emailed their parents to let them know they had arrived safely to the MTC.  They had to present their immunizations to the doctors and nurses and they were asked if they were allergic to anything.  Actually they saw the doctors first and then the emails.  They then received a small bag/packet of materials including scriptures in Spanish, a "Preach My Gospel" manual and several pamphlets of instruction.  Some of the other missionaries came to take them to the comodor for dinner.  Because it was poring rain they were given plastic ponchos.  Later they were given a tour of the campus.

This morning I went to an orientation given by all the members of the Mission President and their wives.  There was also more instruction given after they broke into Elders and Sisters.  The Sisters had a discussion on dressing and grooming that is appropriate for a missionary.  Hermana Call did a very nice job of leading this instruction for the new missionaries.  Some sisters on campus have not been obedient to the rules and it is necessary to call them aside and talk to them about wearing military boots or denim jackets or the like.  At some point they all have a discussion about sexual purity and hopefully no one has to confess transgressions and be sent home.

Catty who is a nurse at the clinic is going to teach me Spanish.  Our first lesson was today.  She was pretty intense and expected a lot from me.  I also have homework to do. Dennis and I went to another new missionary discussion this evening and heard what the rules for this CCM are.  I am very impressed that they teach these new young men and women who have just graduated from high school to be dignified and professional as they are now representatives of Jesus Christ.

Sean Cates took us to Walmart the other day.  It was a little humbling because he is the (34 year) director of the entire CCM.  We tried to shop quickly and pick up just a few things that we absolutely needed so as to not waste his time.  He was patient and helpful.  He has a wife and three sons and lives on the campus.  We have been treated very nice including having a new picture of Christ hung on our wall and an electronic keyboard  delivered to our home.  (No petal, so no sustaining of the keys...I was prompted to bring my pedal from home and did not...Ill learn to follow the spirit better next time.)

We have been exercising in the morning at the gym including walking around campus.  I am trying to eat healthy.  So far I haven't eaten desserts and white rolls at the comodor, however I did have pasta one night.  There is lots of fruit and nuts and salad fixings.  I am doing pretty good to eat veggies and fruit and I am even able to have a spinach smoothie for breakfast.

The birds are amazing.  I have seen red cardinals and green parrots all around the campus.