First and foremost, Elder Greenlaw is so happy! He loved his time at the MTC and the people he met there. He said his district and zone were so much fun. Most of his group was going to Alabama. Only his companion and him were going to Kentucky so they got to meet up with the other 9 missionaries at 4:45 AM to take Trax to the airport.
For the most part, he liked the food. His favorite item was the chicken and waffles. He also loved the chocolate milk and cookies and cream milk from the Creamery. He recommends people stay away from the chicken though.
For exercise, Elder Greenlaw walked almost 10 miles a day according to his companions fit bit. He feels like he lost 5 lbs from all the walking around the MTC. He said the MTC is really big and that they lived in the furthest away from the main building. His district walked a lot which helped with his weight. As far as exercise goes, he rode the bike and played volleyball to stay in shape.
A normal day at the MTC was waking up at 6:30 am. They ate breakfast at 7:45 and started class at 8 am. At 10:30 they went to their teaching sessions where they were able to teach 5 different people during the 3 weeks he was there. Elder Greenlaw says he learned a lot during this time, and feels so much more confident about talking to people. He said at first it was hard to ask people to be baptized so quickly in their discussions, but he learned that this was an important step as a missionary. It always brought up other things that the investigator needed to work through before fully committing. Elder Greenlaw said asking them this, helped them to know what to talk and testify of next. What a great way to look at this important question that missionaries ask everyone they teach. One of his favorite experiences was class time. He loved his instructors and felt the Spirit so strongly during their lessons.
Teachers at the MTC
Elder Greenlaw's Zone!
They go to lunch at noon and attend his second class study session from 1 to 4 pm. Dinner at 5, personal and companion study time after that for 2 hours, and then bed. Lots of missionaries liked to stay up late, but he really tried to follow the rules. When he did, he felt like his day went so much better.
One of the biggest takeaways for Elder Greenlaw was learning patience. Being with a companion that just turned 18 and who didn't want to stay with him all the time was a bit of a challenge at first. He worked through it with patience and communication. He also said a missionary in his room snored so loud that it kept everyone up at night. One missionary brought 20 pairs of ear plugs which saved the day!
A few of Elder Greenlaw's Bunkmates!
Elder Greenlaw said the days went by fast! He can't believe his time at the MTC is done there. He will always have fond memories of this place and he encourages everyone to take a tour if they can. It is one of the most spiritual places he has ever been besides the temple. The Spirit there, things he felt and witnessed, are nothing short of miraculous.
While boarding the plane, Elder Greenlaw passed one of our neighbors and long time friends, Tim Smith. Tim was traveling on business and at the last minute had to switch flights because his flight to Orlando had been canceled. He immediately recognized Elder Greenlaw and gave him a great big hug! What a tender mercy to be able to share this with us and to see Elder Greenlaw one last time before heading out to the mission field.
Tim Smith and Elder Greenlaw
Hello, Kentucky!
Another funny thing that happened today was Kellert had gone to lunch and sat next to a couple that was serving a mission here. The man said he served a mission in Kentucky 50 years ago. What are the chances of that happening. I know that the Lord is mindful of our family and Elder Greenlaw.
At 8pm, I received one last call from Elder Greenlaw who told me he had arrived at the mission home in Kentucky, and was safe. He said he could instantly feel the humidity when he got off the plane. He sounded happy and excited to be there. He had just eaten with the mission president and was getting ready to go to bed. Tomorrow they get their new companions and assignments.
Fun story, he told me while he was on his fright from SLC to Kentucky, he talked to guy next to him about religion and our church. It was his first real discussion. The man believed in God but didn't belong to any organized religion and it wasn't a big part of his life. Elder Greenlaw bore his testimony and told him where to learn more and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. This boy turned into a man over night. He is ready to share the gospel and his testimony with any one he comes in contact with. We are so proud of him!
Let the adventure begin!
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