Gretchen Enters & Departs MTC Successfully!

This is Gretchen's Dad! I will only refer to myself as Gretchen's Dad on this blog. To use an author's name on this blog without connecting back directly to Gretchen seems almost sacrilegious.

First and foremost let me apologize for the tardiness of this post! It has been almost a month since Gretchen's final (temporary final) post prior to her leaving. I know many of her faithful readers are likely experiencing massive and violent withdrawal symptoms and I will obviously not be able to come close to satisfying all the Gretch-a-sketch cravings you may have. But I do intend to provide periodic updates on what we know about her mission in the hope that loyal readers can share in her experience if only in a distant, incomplete, and vicarious fashion.

Gretchen started off on her mission on a most positive note. She sent several letters and e-mails about her Missionary Training Center (MTC) experience that were incredibly positive and upbeat. One could sense a spiritual transformation taking place which is, in part, what a mission is all about. That positive attitude showed through again when she had a chance to talk with her Mother on the phone at the airport just before she flew to Vancouver on Wednesday April 15th. We have not heard from her since her arrival in Vancouver and eagerly await news about her first assignment and adjustment to missionary life on the front lines.

I have attached four pictures on the blog for your viewing pleasure. They include:1) Gretchen at the front door of the MTC; 2) Gretchen with her younger but substantially taller brother Phillip at the MTC; 3) Gretchen with her MTC companion, Sister Wight (from California...also going to Vancouver) with whom she got along wonderfully (and the two of them looking very sassy...not the traditional missionary pose in my day!); and 4) other sister missionaries in her "district" who were headed to different locales around the world!

Until I post again, may your days be pleasant and safe!