Missionary Training Center (MTC), Provo, UT

The Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah was the best, most sacred experience. We were taught by amazing teachers and had an evening with Elder Carl B. Cook and Elder David A. Bednar as well. The energy there, mixed with the spirit, was a highlight of our life. It truly felt like sacred ground.

I have waited my whole life to "wear the badge" and I put mine on the second I saw it.  I even wore it to bed.  I didn't want to take it off.  It is an honor and privilege to represent my Savior 24/7, and to know that anyone who sees your badge, knows you are a follower of Jesus Christ.  It adds some responsibility to all you do and say!

We had one week of Preach My Gospel (missionary training) which also included workshops on getting along with your companion (our spouse!), Social Media use, and Safety.

The second week was Humanitarian Service, Welfare and Self Reliance, and Emergency Response training. We learned so much! My appreciation for the Self Reliance program skyrocketed. The church provides for all people regardless of religion, gender, or age. The work is all about relieving suffering "in the Lord's way." The Lord's way is to not just give handouts but to help people become Self Reliant so that they can have the dignity of caring for themselves and the blessing of helping others.

We are humbled to be entrusted with bringing the Church's Humanitarian work back to the countries of Croatia and Slovenia, and to represent our church. We have great respect for the sacred funds entrusted to us, given generously from all church members including the poorest widow.

Kathy holding a Croatian Book of Mormon and Reid holding a Slovenian Book of Mormon

Other Humanitarian Senior couples in training with us going to Pakistan, Samoa, England, Puerto Rico, Kenya, Germany and Little Rock, AR.  One of the couples is going to be the Emergency Response couple for 32 countries in Europe.

It was special to overlap with my sister, Becky, and her husband for 2 days!  They are now in Nairobi, Kenya!  They got their call months before us.  We never dreamed we would be in the MTC together so that was a special bonus!  While in the MTC we were just a few doors down from them.  We stayed up talking way too late both nights, but the rules for Senior missionaries are pretty accommodating.

And away we go!  Salt Lake City to Chicago to Munich to Zagreb!