No idle hands here

Sunday was incredible in the MTC.  We had sacrament with an international branch here to learn English.  A mixed group sang a wonderful rendition of How Great Thou Art.  I spoke with two Elders from the Dominican Republic there too.  As an aside I have met a few Elders with connections to our past here: I spoke with an Elder from Paradise UT, he went to seminary with Anna Thatcher, the daughter of some friends we have there.  Today we finally ran into Elder Thompson, from Eagle and our Wards, Eighth and Beacon Light.  He is well and heading out next Monday.

After Sacrament we went to Music and the Spoken Word broadcast to our auditorium.  Then I had priesthood with Elders heading to the Phillipines (Tagalog). Cindy had RS and then welcome fireside for new sisters, our first, and last, Sunday in the MTC.  We then had a Departure Fireside since we are leaving this week on Friday.  The special musical numbers are outstanding here, incredible talent and spirit.

Today we went to Salt Lake for training in the Church office building Missionary department.  Some was necessary but the afternoon was a painful dirge of irrelevant material, relating to North American medical advisors, not to me.  I thought it was only me but when we were headed back in our van all of the group was disgusted.  We did make it back for dinner but were late for Spanish tutor. 

Finally, at 8 pm we met Laura, Eric and kids for Creamery ice cream.  It is fun to have one last chance to see the kids, it turns out Laura will have to make one trip back because we have some things to give her that we are jettisoning to lighten our suitcases.  The rest of this week is Medical and computer training and then Friday morning we are off.