A few more comments from me...The number one thing I learned in the MTC (that I wished I had known and considered in all my church work over the last 25 years!) is that our primary purpose is to strengthen the relationship between the person you are teaching or visiting and Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Everything else is less important! They kept reminding us not to get sidetracked on other issues (like anti-Mormon literature, what a pastor says, fears of what family and friends will say, financial needs, or why someone is not coming to church, etc.). As long as a person does the things they need to do to strengthen their relationship with deity, including the saving ordinances, all other things will be addressed in the proper order!
It's been a long time since Diane and I have been in cold weather, and it will take a little getting used to! We keep thinking, "I can't wait until we get home where it's warm!" and then we remember... Utah was 20-35 degrees, and it's been getting colder the further east we go. Today was 15-25 degrees, and it looks like it's down in single digits in New England! When the wind hits you, it takes your breath away! (I may have to stop gently complaining about the big bucks my companion spent for boots...) Tomorrow both of us plan to wear our boots (hiking boots for me, so they won't work very well with a suit once we get started) and down coats!
We stopped today and visited the Winter Quarters visitors center and Temple, and got a great tour from a couple of sister missionaries, and met a senior couple who just started 3 weeks ago. It brought many tears to our eyes as we were reminded of the sacrifices of the pioneers. The first year, one in twelve pioneers died at Winter Quarters, and 75% of the deaths were children under three years of age. Pretty heart-wrenching!! (In following years, the death rate dropped drastically because of the preparations made the first year---like building 500 cabins and sod huts.)
Well, time for bed...we sure love you all and appreciate your support! We wish we could share the experience with all of you!!
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