So. Much. Love.

We've now been here at the MTC for four days. This has been one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. We feel surrounded by God's love for us, and we feel full of God's love for others. We have met so many people and have come to love each of them.

We love the spirit that is here at the MTC. When we first arrived (all 30+ couples and some single sisters), and after we had taken our luggage to our room, we were told that we would meet in a room across the hall from the cafeteria. Because it was lunch-time, we needed to eat but we were advised not to take our belongings into the cafeteria with us. We were told we should just put all of our purses, laptops, cellphones, etc. on the chairs in the big, open, unlocked room where we would later meet. We were told, "This is the MTC; your stuff will be safe here." 

Having just come from the "outside world," where leaving valuables out in the open isn't possible, we felt a little funny about it. Now, after four days, we realize there is absolutely no concern that anyone would take our belongings. We are surrounded by thousands of 18 and 19 year-olds, and can trust everyone to leave valuables where they are. What an incredible feeling!

Helping Our Plane's Pilot

In Case Our Pilot Doesn't Know Where He'll Be Taking Us

What's Up With Missionary Name Tags, Anyway?

Elder & Sister Howden (left) / Elder & Sister Chamberlain (Right)

Posted by Sister Chamberlain - I see missionaries with their name tags on all the time; at grocery stores, restaurants, shopping malls and pretty much anywhere here in Utah. I have never thought much about what it means to wear one of those name tags. That is until this past week. 

As we began our training for Public Affairs in Salt Lake City this week there was a sweet Sister Howden that was in the group. She and her husband are going to South Africa. The first day there she kept asking when she would be getting her name tag. She was very excited to have it and wear it. At first I was a bit surprised that she was so anxious to get one. I hadn't thought much about wearing a name tag as a missionary. It seems very commonplace here in Utah.

So needless to say I was a bit taken aback when Friday afternoon came and we were approaching the end of our training. We had just completed a very powerful testimony meeting with our group and Elder Larsen said he had our name tags. I found myself getting very emotional. My lack of feelings about name tags at the beginning of the week suddenly transformed and I realized putting that name tag on had become a very sacred experience; one that I don't take lightly. 

For the past four days I have been in awe at how sacred this responsibility is to be a representative for the Savior for 18 months. Each day I found my thoughts turning to the Lord in gratitude for this tremendous privilege I have to serve this mission and the many people in my life who have made this possible. Each day of my training, I was also grateful for each one of my children and the support they are giving me despite how difficult it is. And with that gratitude I committed every day to give 100 % of my time and my heart to His service.

So having a name tag felt like I had gone through this process of growth and commitment and wearing a name tag was a way of expressing my love for my Savior and the privilege I have to share with others the great news of the atonement and the love the Savior has for all of us.  It truly was an inspiring week.  I think I am ready to go!!! 

We're Official! Just Got "Set Apart"!

We are now Elder and Sister Chamberlain. We were "set apart" this evening by President Randall to serve as missionaries in the Asia Area. Being "set apart" means that someone having authority to do so, placed their hands on our heads and blessed us with the authority and rights to be missionaries representing Jesus Christ.

Next: Training on Tuesday (April 21st) starts our first official full-time duties. We'll go to the MTC on Monday, April 27th, then fly to Hong Kong the following Monday (May 4th). Can't describe how excited we are.