One week down, one week to go!

We have had a very busy week. We have classes every day beginning at 8 a.m. We feel like we just ate breakfast and then it's suddenly time for lunch! Our 20-something instructors are amazing; they are very knowledgeable and have a great spirit of compassion and love. We have continued to be amazed at their teaching abilities. I know they could not do it without the Lord's help. They give us a break about every hour and a half; I guess they are worried about us old folks (of which we are the youngest) falling asleep or needing to use the bathroom.

We were able to go to the Provo Temple yesterday. It felt good to get out and away from the confines of the MTC for a little while. I told Elder Gray I was getting "cabin fever." The temple was spiritually uplifting and a peaceful break from our classroom routine.

On Saturday night we were able to go out to dinner with our good friends Norm and Mel Kester, Rick and Jayne Pugh, and Steve Hard. We had wonderful Italian food and some laughs. It was good for my cabin fever!

We had a wonderful Sunday today. We went to church and in a combined Priesthood and Relief Society meeting, taught a lesson on Elder Bednar's talk on tender mercies. The spirit was so strong.

We feel like we have had many tender mercies from our Heavenly Father that have made it possible for us to serve this mission. Others in our group shared the tender mercies and miracles they have experienced in their lives as well.

We are anxious to get to Australia and glad to be going into our final week. I am NOT a computer wiz and I'm a little worried about the upcoming office and technology training. I will be needing a lot of prayers and guidance from above to master this stuff.

We have a few beautiful outdoor Christmas light displays here at the MTC and that, along with singing Christmas songs in some of our meetings, is helping us feel the Christmas spirit. This morning we watched a special Christmas 'Music and the Spoken Word' with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and it was magnificent! I could listen to the Tabernacle Choir all day, especially when they are singing Christmas music!

I do miss all of my Christmas decorations, trees and the homey feel of the holidays, but love looking at the little "Joy" decoration from my good friend Mel that sits on my night stand and reminds me every day who I am here for. We are truly grateful for this opportunity to serve.

And even after being "confined" here together for a solid week, I am so glad I still love and adore my companion! 😊 💕