Today is Monday April 1st and we arrived at the Missionary Training Center at 10:30 am. Most of the day was orientation. There was one significant event that impressed me though. When we arrived we were greeted by a wonderful sister. (in the Mormon Church we refer to others as Brother and Sister. We believe we are all part of a family of our Heavenly Father). She smiled and greeted us and gave us an initial packet of materials we will need. In side the packet was name badges we will wear every day for the duration of the mission. Mine is Elder McMurdie and Bonnie's is Sister McMurdie. these are titles in this case. When she put on the badge something changed. It was a spiritual feeling that came over me. I am now a missionary for the Lord Jesus Christ. It was calm but powerful.

The remainder was introducing us to what we will be doing for the next 4 days. There are 3000 young missionaries, young men and young women here and about 200 seniors. Many of the seniors are going to historical sites of the church. There are only about 6 couples that are going to foreign missions, the balance are going to various places in the states.

This is our first day and we are in for a valuable experience.