All three of our kiddos who have served missions have had the Home MTC (Mission Training Center) experience, and each one has looked a little different.
Aubrey's was unique because she had the challenge (and opportunity) of learning Spanish in addition to the gospel study and teaching side of things. She was also home for two weeks rather than one.
Brian and I loved having the chance to be a part of the beginning of their missions. Here are a few things, from my perspective, that I want to remember about Aubrey's home MTC experience.
I witnessed her countenance soften as she began immersing herself in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I loved hearing her share parts of conference talks or firesides that impacted her. About 10 days into her training, she said something like, "I'm listening to conference talks for the first time, and they are good. I've also come to realize that Jeffrey R. Holland is really amazing."
(Sidenote: she's listened to conference talks all of her life... but I understood what she meant. Also, welcome to the President Holland fan club!)
Seven plus hours of Zoom a day is ROUGH....but she pushed through everyday. She also had about three more hours of personal gospel study, Spanish study and companionship study daily. Whew.
Not going to lie... there were some rough moments, especially when it came to Spanish class. It was a three-hour class at the end of the day and didn't end until 10:00 p.m. She was mentally and emotionally worn out. From day one, the class was taught entirely in Spanish. It was a lot.
There were tears and pep talks and late-night walks pretty much every night.
But then she would be up early again the next day with renewed energy, determination, and a smile on her face. It was impressive.
I loved walking by her room and hearing her laugh and interact with her district. She loved them and couldn't wait to meet them in person at the Mexico MTC.
I tried to stay pretty available so when she popped out throughout the day for an eight-minute break, she had someone to talk to... and I wanted to hear everything she had to share.
Brian and I also spoiled her in one of her love languages: fast food. Her lunch or dinner wish was our command. (Well... we picked up food for her once a day — and sometimes Diet Coke or ice cream too.) She had short breaks and a packed schedule, so she often had to scarf down her food!
A couple of times we were able to have a late family lunch and include Aubrey. Her schedule was full, so mostly she wasn't available.
"Girl lunch" at Olive Garden. Every Thursday my dad, Britney, and I eat out together. This time we included Britney's girls, Aubrey, and Kaide.
Speaking of Kaide, one of Aubrey's favorite things was having him pop in and out of her room during breaks to give her a hug. He was always hoping she could play with him, but she was a busy sister missionary. She was especially happy when he happened to be over and her eight-minute break lined up.
One really fun thing about home MTC is a little flexibility as a missionary. Her Sundays were much more open, and these amazing friends came over one week. I LOVED hearing them talk and laugh as they watched a church show and made bookmarks. I could tell it rejuvenated her.
Joseph, Kate, and Wells were in town for a few days, and they were so sweet to stop by one last time to wish Aubrey the best before she left. (Home MTC perk for sure!)
I love this girl. I am so proud of her for choosing to serve a mission. I know how much it will bless her life too. Heavenly Father is so good. She is sacrificing 18 months to serve, but I know how He will be able to bless her life forever through this experience.
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