FIRST LETTERS

Today was the 6th day that Jordan has been in the MTC and we finally got our first letters.  It looks like they were written last Thursday and Saturday and it sounds like she is doing good and having a great time.  Here are some excerpts from her letters:

"Hey, I really don't have much time to write, but I'll try to keep it as detailed as I can.  I love it here!  The food isn't bad, but its definitely not as good as Mom's [ or Barros :o) ].  They have a bunch of different options, its a lot like EFY or college.  And they always have salads as an option so I always have something to eat.

My companion is Sister Renfroe. She is kind of quiet sometimes but she always makes sure we're on time. (it's been quite an adjustment).  She has a natural gift for knowing what to say & what lessons to teach.  I sort of just stumble along but its great to see how the spirit can teach through you & inspire you to say certain things. 

I didn't believe Tyler when he told me there's no time to take pictures or write.  He was right.  We are always doing something.  Today we got our flight plans.  Talk about crazy, we've only been here 3 hole days & we're already getting our itinerary.  Apparently they waste no time here.  We fly to Spokane on May 6 at 8:35 in the morning so we have to be at the MTC travel office by 5:00 a.m..  That's early :o( but I'm anxious to get to Washington!

Don't be sad! I'm having fun & everyone is so focused on the gospel that it's really hard to be sad and miss people." 

DAY #1 - CHECKING IN

Wednesday, 4/24/13:  Today is the day that Jordan officially started her mission.  She was scheduled to report to the Mission Training Center (MTC)  in Provo, Utah at 12:45.  Before she checked in Jordan wanted to have lunch at her favorite spot - Cafe Rio.  When we (Mom, Dad and Cole) got to the restaurant there were several other new missionaries also having lunch at Cafe Rio. 

There was a girl at the table next to us that asked Jordan where she was going on her mission.  When Jordan said Spokane the girl said that she was also starting her mission today and that she was also going to Spokane! The girl's brother said that when he left for his mission, a couple of years ago, he stopped for lunch and also met someone that was going to his mission.  When they reported to the MTC later that day they found out that the 2 boys were going to be companions while they were at the MTC.  Maybe the girl from Cafe Rio will be Jordan's companion.

After lunch we drove to the MTC to drop-off Jordan.  Along the way we asked her if she was nervous and she said that she wasn't.  Everybody keeps commenting on how calm and relaxed she seems.

The drop-off was really short - about 3 minutes. As soon as we pulled up to the curb 2 missionaries came up to the car and unloaded her suitcases from the trunk.  I think the suitcases were out of the care before we could all get out of the car. A nice missionary girl about Jordan's age took a photo of all of us and told Jordan to make sure to leave her car keys and cell phone in the car (this must be a common mistake).  Then they both walked into the building to start the next 18 months.

Here is a photo of Jordan reporting to the MTC (4/24/13 about 12:45):