We recently were notified that our entrance date into the Mission Training Center at Provo, Utah has been changed from February 27 to February 20. We have flights scheduled to leave Portland, Oregon on Friday February 17. Ron, Dale's brother will drive us to Provo from Salt Lake City on Monday February 20. The final weekend prior to entering the MTC we will spend visiting with our son Jay and son Jon and his wife Diedra and with Ron and his wife Annette.
We will rent our home to our friend Doug Harada. Thankfully he has consented to use our furnishings which has reduced what we need to pack and store. That does not mean we are just walking away from the house. We have lived in the same home for about 30 years. I calculate 30 years+ 4 children+ 6 grandchildren+ hobbies+ SALES+ craigslist+XYZ = lots of work to do. We are clearing out rooms and closets and shelves so Doug can make our house his home for the next 18 months.
We continue to learn the Khmae language. We can not boast fluent speaking and great comprehension but each day we make improvements. What we do know has boosted our confidence. Each word learned is a step in the right direction.
To our senior friends who desire to serve missions our advice is that it is never too early to prepare. We received our mission call Labor Day weekend and the time has flown by. There is quite a bit to do when leaving your home behind. Young missionaries, for the most part, pack their bags and leave. Us older folks have financial institutions, the IRS, doctors, insurance companies, vehicles,the mail service, home repairs and upkeep,shopping, family member needs, pets, etc. to take into consideration. Because the Lord wants us to serve His children, everything does come together, but we have learned that it is never too early to write the "to do list"and start checking it off.
Our good news for the day... no more SHOTS!!
