First missionaries from the MTC.  Today was the first time we were involved with welcoming the new missionaries to our mission.  They are right from the MTC.  It was so exciting to see their enthusiasm and feel of their spirit and love of the Lord. They had been up for hours, on a plane for more, and hassels through the airport and then to us.  We had an orientation with some treats and then everyone in the office gave them instruction.  It was a lot to take in for one day.  It was amazing to watch them keep pushing on no matter how tired they felt.  I have been so touched by some of their stories:
Elder B:  He is now an AP.  He was here and then was sent home for 1 year and after he did his time he came back to finish his mission.  What heart, what determination.  Most of us would of just gave it up.   He paid for whatever it was he needed to and came back to fulfill his commitment to the Lord.  Wow
Elder S:  He has only an 8th grade education.  Has been kicked around pretty good in life and has stayed the course and worked his way to serving a mission.  What determination, what a testimony.  Could I have done that?
Elder BB:  His visa run out in the US and had to return back to Canada.  He has only 2 months left to fulfill his mission, he could of easily gone home and it would of been an honorable release as there was nothing he could do to extend his visa.  But he ask to come to our mission and finish his mission.  I talked to his mother on the phone and she was so very sad that he couldn't finish in his US mission, but I reassured her that he had made it to us and that he was in the right place at the right time and that we needed him.   She cried and thought it would be alright.  He was such an awesome missionary when I met him.  I was so impressed.
Elder NG:  He is from Hong Kong.  He is highly educated and well spoken, but testifies of the truthfulness of the gospel.  He would not continue his studies until he served his Heavenly Father.
I guess I could go on for each and every missionary, how they got here, how they sacrificed to get here, their families.  My testimony is so strengthened after this day.    The church is true and this is the Lord's work.  It has caused me to take a look at my commitment to serve.  I shall be better and try to be a more faithful servant and maybe have a bit of these wonderful missionaries determination, heart, obedience and love. 
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