This is Patrice's blog, but if she let's me, I may add something from time to time. First a side note on what to call each other. I was on the phone earlier with another senior missionary and referred to "her" as "my wife". I then asked him, do I have to call her Sister Bentley all the time? His reply was a chuckle and "you and I think alike". So she remains Patrice or wife or whatever nickname I happen upon. At least around here.
There were a lot of impressive things at the MTC, but one particularly stood out for me. That's namely the young elders and sisters who were there. These are kids mostly between 18 and 21, and there were around 2,000 of them. (700 left our first week there and were replaced by about the same number a week later.)
These kids looked great! The young men wore either white shirts with a tie, or a white shirt. tie and suit jacket. Jackets were optional, I didn't wear one but many of them did. There was no green or purple hair, no body piercings, no tattoos visible, and their slacks were up around their waists, not hanging halfway to their knees. And the young women? They all wore skirts or dresses and had no body parts hanging out for public display. And also no weird hair colors or tattoo or piercings. The men were not all handsome, the women were not all pretty, but they all looked great.
If someone dropped by who didn't know us and our missionary culture and standards, they would've been absolutely amazed at how different they looked from your usual group of people that age. They were super impressive. And then, add to that the amount of time they spend away from school, jobs, sports, etc. not to mention family. And boy friends and girl friends.
They were by far the most impressive thing there! What a contrast between them and other people their age.
Patrice is looking at me like it's time I quit, so I'd better.
ALOHA AND ENJOY THE COMING WINTER.
That is pretty incredible, isn't it?? I'm so glad you and Sister Bentley 😉 Enjoyed the MTC so much!!
ReplyDeleteIt is awesome seeing so many young people willing to serve and sacrifice! And you were there at the same time as one of my friend's son - who certainly matches your description!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to be so proud of our church, and especially the youth of the church! Working with the Young Women, I am constantly amazed by all that they're doing and how hard they work. What a great church!
ReplyDelete(I think you can call Mom any number of things, but maybe hold off on the "bug woman" nickname for now...?)