After a Sabbath wrought with emotion as we said good-bye yet again to family and dear friends, we packed our car

and headed out today, Monday, July 29, 2013 to the northlands.

 We have had a nice day, and Paul actually agreed that we didn't need to push it.  We stopped for a few minutes at the monument which commemorates the restoration of the Melchizadek Priesthood in Oakland Township, NY,  formerly Harmony.  The church has plans to build a replica of the Isaac Hale home, and the small home where Joseph and Emma lived for a while.  The article I read said construction on a visitor's center and the other improvements were to begin this spring, but there was no sign of it.  The area could certainly use the economic boost which might come as church members came to visit this sacred spot.
    Tomorrow we will head further north to Montreal.  We have been told to expect at least an hour at the border as we are given our visas.  We will meet President Patrick, spend the night at the mission home, and hopefully be given our assignment. I admit I am experiencing a little anxiety as I contemplate trying to communicate in French.

     Our first day as a senior couple began with our check-in at the Missionary Training Center at 10:30 on Monday, July 22, 2013.  Those who were directing us where to park included a man who had been in Dad's home ward when he was a teenager--Melvin Kuhni.  He had to be at least 80 years old, and there he was out in the 95 degree heat, directing traffic.  I felt like a whimp.
     We were directed to park in a nearby parking place--we asked twice "Are you sure we can park here?"

 A little 10-year-old boy excitedly asked Dad if he was a General Authority, and could he shake his hand?  Dad admitted that he was just an ordinary senior missionary, but he would be glad to shake the little guy's hand anyway.  As a side note, later the grandmother of this little boy was put in our district and we had daily contact with her for the whole 5 days.  She told us that her grandson was very happy that Dad had been so nice to him.
    After checking in and being escorted to our room by two very helpful young missionaries, we were given a short orientation by a senior missionary couple assigned to be the MTC senior couple coordinators, Elder and Sister Thomas.  We were treated so nicely and really felt welcomed and appreciated for our decision to be missionaries.  We didn't get quite the VIP treatment we had received as mission president and wife, but almost.
   The rest of the afternoon was spent meeting with various people about immunizations, travel, and attending a meeting with the MTC presidency.  Here is one of my favorite quotes from that meeting:  Sister Roach, the wife of one of the counselors quoted Sister Marjorie Hinckley.  She said when it comes to our spouses, "Sometimes you have to lower your expectations."
    We were told that on Wednesdays, when the new young missionaries arrive between 1 and 3 p.m., one hundred cars pass the entrance every 15 minutes for the two hour period, dropping off a missionary! Amazing.
    The MTC rooms for senior couples have been re-done wince we were here seven years ago for language training.  They are really nice now.  We found it funny, however, that these are soaps they provided:

We could just imagine all the MTC employees being asked to bring in their travel soaps so they could supply each room.