On our way to Botswana via the MTC - Week 1, Jan 21-28

Dumela = Hello.

Ke a leboga = Thank you.

These are the first words I have learned in Setswana, the language of the people of Botswana.

This first week in the Mission Training Center in Provo, UT, has been filled with wonders and joys. And hard work.  

Ke a leboga to my Savior Jesus Christ for granting me the privilege of and trusting me to share His message to the world. 

                                      


Ke a leboga to President Crane who pronounced upon us unspeakably beautiful promises as he set us apart for our callings to Botswana.  




Ke a leboga to Aunt Darlene and Uncle Robert who saved us from the cold rainstorm at the Orem Frontrunner Station and who sheltered and fed us for two days.  Additional spiritual feasting came as we participated in the Orem Temple Dedication with them before they delivered us to the MTC, the unique and amazing MTC.



Ke a leboga to our many teachers and mentors here who love the Lord and serve to teach us our purpose as missionaries and emissaries of the Lord Jesus



Ke a leboga to the missionaries young and old with whom we rub shoulders constantly.  Such an abundance of faith and commitment to the Savior's gospel surely doesn't abound in any other place as magnificently as it does here in this sacred enclave.

                                      



Ke a leboga to my wonderful companion without whom I am nothing.  

                                                             






Ke a leboga to my God for giving us temples where heaven and earth meet...






...and for my children whom I love with the deepest of passions.



Ke a leboga for the good people of Botswana whom I love already!




Week one was crazy busy and exhausting, which is saying a lot from me.  We were up at 0600 for an hour workout, then a quick shower and power smoothie before beginning meetings at 0800.  Lunch followed before we were back for further instruction til 4:30pm.  A quick walk around campus, dinner in the cafeteria (which is surprisingly healthy if one chooses), and then an evening devotional or temple trip rounded out the day leaving us more than ready for bed.  Our accommodations are quite comfortable and clean, much like a nice hotel room.  No junior missionary bunk beds for us, thank goodness.  We've a fridge in our room, a well appointed kitchenette and lounge on our floor, and a book store, mail room, and copy center on the main floor.  There is nothing we lack, and everyone we meet is happy and kind and helpful almost to a fault.  Saturday was P-Day (Preparation Day) when we slept in, hiked to the mountain, did our laundry, explored the museums on the BYU Campus, and shared dinner with good friends who live in Provo.  Sunday was a special day of rest, personal and group worship, and as always capped with an evening devotional.  





Ke a leboga to those good friends who are making this possible for us.  We love and appreciate you! 

Ke a leboga for the MTC! 









My Bryan fell in love with the land and the people of Botswana, and then he taught me to.  May he find joy as he guides me from heaven on this journey of ours.

Comments

  1. BJFebruary 1, 2024 at 4:12 PM

    I'll be following your mission blog, Toni. I left the Church many years ago. So you will be my 'connection' for awhile. Take care. Be well. Be happy. So fun to know that you carried Bryan with you to Botswana. Let us know if we can do anything for you from so far away. We have visited South Africa. We thought it was so beautiful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ToniFebruary 1, 2024 at 6:51 PM

      Love you, Betty. It will be a pleasure to know you will be there there with me. You have always been such a strength to me; you are a cherished companion sojourner. I'm grateful for our friendship...now and eternally, my sweet friend.

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