MTC Memories

Our time here at the MTC is coming to an end. We have had a wonderful experience here. I just wanted to share some things here before they get lost in the rush of the final preparations, the travel, and all the newness to come.............

While eating dinner tonight, a man from across the table noticed our name tags and said something about having Stevensons in his line but spelled with a 'v'. Roger nodded and said I did too. He said Edward, and that caught my attention! When I looked at his name tag, I blurted out, "Uncle Charlie!?" Turns out Uncle Charlie and Aunt Louise are his grandparents--making us second cousins! It is their daughter who is friends with Janeen in Chandler! He remembers his father talking about the good times they had in Marion with the Andrus part of the family there. They are going to Billings to do records preservation, taking their daughter with Downs Syndrome with them. She has taken the Sisters by storm. They take her to sit with them while they eat, then she comes to find her parents. It has been a sweet, tender experience. Andy and Jana Fox. Andy is my second cousin!

We were able to find and meet in person our sweet Portuguese tutor--Erin. We love her!

This is our District. Elder and Sister McEwen going to Texas. Elder and Sister Anderson from Grantsville. Sister Keepman, our teacher. Some of the best people you could know!

The Allreds who worked with us at the temple. It's been so fun to have them here. They left last week for California.........they are MLS.

In one of the new buildings here they have some beautiful murals. Some of them make you catch your breath. These pictures don't begin to do them justice. But it will give you a little taste of their message.

The sons of Mosiah entering the land of Nephi

Moses and the children of Israel walking through the Red Sea

The Brother of Jared making his clear stones

And my favorite.........Martha

 I have gained a deep appreciation for this valiant, faithful woman. She loved the Savior and prepared her best for Him and the others who were with Him. I love her declaration: "I believe that thou are the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world."

And another one from our room. I never cease to marvel at the loveliness of this world..........

 Tonight, after dinner a few of us went to see the "Roots of Knowledge"........stained glass art at the library at UVU. Again.........this picture is woefully lacking and not even a tenth of the whole thing. This is really something you should make the effort to see if you are in the area!