MTC.......

Who are these "Twits"

                          Elder Gubler, Elder and Sister Nelson, Elder and Sister Gibson (Head Twit),
                                      Elder and Sister Bacon, Elder and Sister Titus (L-R)

     If you ever wondered with angels are trained in heaven you might want to look into the Missionary Training Center.  That's not only because of the heavenly atmosphere but also the apparition of a guide from the moment you arrive until they are sure you have been passed off to the next guide to take you from station to station while making sure you have been properly processed.  Senior missionaries are very obedient and the process flows smoothly until they are distracted or momentarily and left to wander the vast expanse of artwork and hallways of the building. 

 Once processed we were welcomed, praised, and separated into Districts.  We were combined with   with three other couples to form a district  then we  joined the fold of countless other young missionaries who swarmed the halls with zeal, enthusiasm, and smiles.  In our group were  The Nelson's  from Oregon and heading on their 5th mission (4 previous Temple) to preserve records in Topeka, KA.  Elder Nelson served in the Bavarian Mission at the same time I was there, and,  although we couldn't recall each other we were able to share memories of the mission.  The Bacon's were called to serve in Florida, Tallahassee Mission doing MLS and  The Titus' were from Oregon and were called to L.A. and were working in Public Affairs.  We were surrounded by tremendous leadership as Elders Nelson and Titus were former bishops and Elder Bacon was in hiatus as he was previously called to be a patriarch.

     We also met the four other couples called to serve in Nauvoo with us.  While we didn't get a chance to spend a lot of time with them we look forward to the time we will.  At our first instructional period I was impressed to turn around and see where the deep baritone voice behind me was coming from.  Turned out it was Dave Beecher whom I had worked with years ago.  He and his wife have been called as the Nauvoo Pageant Directors.  Who would have guessed?

Fun Fact:  The missionaries consume two tons of Lucky Charms a month.

     The rest of the week was Preach My Gospel training, role playing, companion study,

live missionary practice, two trips to the dentist and learning scenarios  in small rooms watched by Brother's Gubler and Larsen to help us with our teaching.  We were taught to keep it simple.  Sister Gibson took this to a new level in companion study.  She was asked "Who was Moroni?"

"Well", she said, "He is the guy on top of the temple".  For this ribaldry (and probably many others, as we were enjoying our time) the title of "Twit" was conferred by one having authority.  The next day, however, Sister Gibson was struck with a severe tooth ache and would spend a considerable amount of time in the dentist's chair seeking relief.  Do to her absence, the title of "Twit", being temporarily vacated, others in the group stepped forward and carried it proudly.  We were a united district and probably the only one that had a name.

    I know that Sister Gibson and I were both touched by the spirit on many occasions and grew to love those with whom we came in contact. 

     God's speed and countless blessings as you depart and serve.