Old is new again

From the outset I admit that this will be mostly news, not thoughts to shatter the earth.

You know that feeling that you don't want to admit something might happen because if it doesn't you'll be very disappointed? Much of the past week can be called déjà vu.

How many times have you seen this picture? Had to do it, it is a requirement for leaving the MTC. Sorry Poland for covering you up.

This tree adorns the foyer to the main admin building of the MTC. 

How convenient the two flags of most interest are next to each other 

(they are now).

Our experience at the MTC occurred the week after Christmas. We and about 30 couples started our missions together, 4 couples per classroom. Ours included a couple going to Nauvoo, one to Kirtland both working on landscaping, and one to treat Filipino missionaries' teeth, then us. Often couples stay for a second week for assignment-specific training, but the powers were convinced that because it had been less than a year since we did the assignment, we didn't need the second week. (is there an emoji for a small "yay"?) 

There was a concern about COVID at the MTC, so every person on the campus had to be tested on our Wednesday there, no old missionaries tested positive, thus no quarantining for us. About 15% of the young missionaries did have to isolate. We saw some sad faces through windows.

I hope the boat of the first Apostles is visible in the background. Snow and Christmas lights makes the special spirit of the MTC even more peaceful.

About halfway through the weekly Tuesday devotional as Sister and Elder Gilbert were speaking directly to and about missionaries, the reality it was us struck.

Finishing the week, we returned home to Bountiful for the weekend preparing for the next Tuesday. One step closer. 

Spent the time packing, saying final good-byes, and one more trip to the MTC to do a spit test for COVID. Jean's negative test came back within a couple hours, but Stewart's didn't come back. Late in the day we got an email "virus detected." 

Had to inform Church Travel. So long to the Tuesday flights. Thwarted yet again. 

Discovered that no specific kind of test was required, so spent Monday looking for another testing option, not willing to give in. After two-hours in a car line much like for Costco gas, I made it to the front at night before they shut down. 

45 minutes later came "no virus detected." One step closer.

For flights to another continent, flying from SLC to MIA and then directly to HEL on a new A350 is about the easiest ever. President and Sister mission leaders and the couple we're replacing were smiling broadly as we walked out into the Arrivals.

I was able to spend a day training with the leaving couple, Jean hasn't been well enough and doesn't want to infect people so has been staying in, trying to get better. 

We did spend a perfect evening Saturday at the mission home as they said goodbye to the other couple and another service couple and hello to us.

It's still surreal.

The only proving picture is this from our balcony at 4:00 PM today