Missionary Training Center

Here we are at the MTC on our third day. We have been very busy and have not had time until now to add anything to our blog. We have been having a marvelous time learning, receiving spiritual guidance, meeting many other senior missionaries, attending a devotional last evening in which Elder L Tom Perry an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints spoke to thousands of Young Missionaries here at the MTC, and about 30 senior missionary couples. We felt privilaged to be one of the 30 couples and there were seats reserved for us right in front of the stand. We were seated approximately in the center of the third roll. The senior missionaries are treated very special and we have many privilages that the Younger missionaries don't have. We read lessons each evening and are to bed by 10:30 p.m. We start the day with breakfast and then Our days have been filled with instructions and lessons from 8:00 am until 4:30 pm with a few brakes and Lunch and dinner then we go to our rooms to study. Last night was the devotional and we had less time to study before retiring. We had more time after studying tonight, so I am adding to the blog. We have been prepared the past two days and have taught Missionary discussions to a proxy volunteer investigator. That was scary, but when we actually did it, it seemed so real and we did well and had a spiritual experience. We are learning and teaching by using a guide to Missionary service called "Preach My Gospel" It is wonderful to finally learn how to use this guide as missionaries. Our son Tim who served in the New York Utica Mission and our daughter Becky who served in the Spain Barcelona (Spanish Speaking)Mission; used this guide while on their Missions, Our son Gary who served in the Florida Tallehassee Mission used a different method of teaching, he didn't have this Guide when he served, he used the older Missionary discussions. Now we are preparing to serve in the Washington DC South Mission and loving our experience here at the MTC. We send our Love to all of you.

Elder and Sister Maldonado

Heading out this week!

Tonight Larry and Cindy were set apart as Full Time Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We can't believe that the time has finally come. This Week it is Time for them to head to the MTC. Washington DC will never know what hit them. Have a great time serving and we will love and miss you.

Love,
Gary, Jacque, Ethan, Maryn, Mallory and Courtney