Surviving and thriving!

Our MTC district :).  They have all left family; some have health issues, some very nervous about the whole thing and the oldest couple, 80 & 82 are still going strong after years of service as mission president, institute missionaries, several couple missions and now as the Stake patriarch! He is sitting humbly in our "Preach My Gospel" class prior to them serving another 18 month mission in Virginia, being taught by young returned missionaries .  They are an amazing example that inspires us to do better and be better!
The MTC has been wonderful!  One of the things that make this a great experience is the extraordinary care they show to the Senior Couples.  From having young elders meet us at our car to carry our luggage, to small plastic footstools in the meeting room so no one with short legs has to dangle their feet, to the detailed schedule they provide, to the reserved seating at the devotional so we don't have to sit on the bleachers and the frequent lesson breaks....all this made us feel that we are loved, cared for, and that the sacrifice we have made to serve is understood and greatly appreciated.  It has been so fun to be around all the young missionaries.  We have seen 3 from our stake!  We have really learned and feel so much better prepared to go forth and serve the Young Single Adults in the Netherlands!