Missionary Training

Mark and I were asked to check into the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo between 10:30 – 11:00 AM on Monday 22^nd of July. There was a lot left undone (like packing bags, cleaning out the refrigerator and freezer) but Monday arrived and we were able to mow the lawn before we left the house for the MTC.

Most of the Senior Couples assigned to the MTC that week were in residence at the MTC or close by but a few of us chose to remain at home during the training period. There were 91 missionaries in our group, seven single women and the rest man and wife companionships.

We were divided into "districts". Our district was composed of five couples and two single sisters. Three of our teachers joined us in this photo. The photo was taken in our classroom on the last day and the last hour of "Preach My Gospel" training. All except the Smiths and the single sisters leave for their assignments tonight or tomorrow. The couples will be serving in places like Nebraska, Montreal, New Hampshire, and Zambia.

The five days were filled with great classes, great atmosphere, great people both class members and teachers. Our teachers were mostly young men and women between 21 and 27. All were returned missionaries with the assignment to teach the senior missionaries how to succeed. I often thought of the phrase, “from the mouths of babes” and they were great. One of our teachers hopes to attend law school so he is gathering “lawyer” jokes, which he shared with us. 

We were able to eat lunch with the “real” missionaries that number around 3,000 at the present time. They were assigned a specific time to go to their meals so lunch was served over a three-hour period. It is quite a production to feed three meals a day to thousands of missionaries, most of them with big appetites.

Mark on Skype with Marcel

Mark was able to meet in person his pre-MTC tutor, Marcel Kalenga. We had lunch with him. Wonderful young man working as a tutor and pursuing a degree at BYU. Marcel joined us at the MTC cafeteria. Marcel is Congolese and not only helped Mark refresh his French language skills but also helped us understand the local culture. He served his mission in Zambia and one of his companions, Boris Kabeya, now works in the office where we are assigned to serve.

Mark and Marcel

We are a bit concerned about buying "safe" affordable food to eat in Kinshasa. A senior missionary spent $6 for one orange at an expat grocery store, so we asked Marcel if there were oranges more reasonably priced. He was a bit incredulous about the $6 orange. He said that oranges in the public marché can be had for ten cents U.S. most of the time and a ten cents a dozen in season. He didn't advise, however, that we do the shopping at le marché. He suggested we send his friend Boris instead. 

We will begin phase two tomorrow, Saturday, at 8:30 AM at the MTC. The missionaries who have been asked to serve in the Perpetual Education Fund Self-Reliance Centers will receive specialized training. We are looking forward to it.