Here's an update on "Elder and Sister Carter"

Well, my Mom and Dad have officially entered the MTC! I can't believe the time has gone by this quickly. They went into the MTC on Monday, and so far they are LOVING it! It's different for senior couples. They are busy, but they have a few hours every evening free. I was able to talk to them for a few minutes last night. This is really a new experience for both of them, since my dad is a convert to the church and never had the opportunity to serve a mission when he was younger, and though my mom served a mission, they did not have the MTC back in those days!

They have really enjoyed meeting the other senior couples, and seeing all the young missionaries as well. Right now there are more than 2,300 missionaries at the Provo MTC going to every mission around the world! It is amazing how no matter what is going on in the world "Nothing can stop the work from progressing!"

The last word we heard about two weeks ago was that their visa's to Mongolia have been delayed. They were scheduled to fly out August 19, and somebody must be very optimistic because now they have them scheduled to fly out August 22. Maybe a miracle will happen and they will be able to leave almost on schedule! If they do have a few weeks to wait however, they are hoping to stay in the MTC and join the Mongolian class for a few weeks. It will be a great opportunity for them to learn a few basic phrases, how to say a simple pray, and learn how to bear their testimonies. Those were the first things I learned in the MTC (though I just had to learn French which is MUCH MUCH easier than Mongolian!)

Their was another senior couple who were called to Mongolia but had their mission call changed in the MTC a few weeks ago. However, we aren't sure they were changed for visa purposes. My parents learned that they have called four young missionaries to Mongolia again, and miraculously, all four of their visa's have come through. The only Mongolian's visa's the church has been able to get in the last year have been the new mission president's and his wife...until now. Somehow, I have a feeling they are in fact going to make it over there at some point. It may be a few weeks later than expected, but I just don't know that they will have a mission call change. Mongolia seems right for them!

If anyone is interested, their address at the MTC is:
Elder Carter and Sister Carter
Missionary Training Center
2005 N. 900 E.
Box 76
Provo, UT 84604

Again, they will be there at least until August 22, and i will keep an update on when they actually leave with current addresses!

I am so proud of my parents for putting everything else on hold so they can serve the Lord. They have wanted to do this for so long...ever since I can remember they have talked about serving a mission together. It is hard to leave your family behind. With a new grandbaby on the way, my brother off to Iraq this fall/winter, my sister on a mission herself (and quite sick at the moment), etc...they have a lot of excuses to stay home. They are making a lot of sacrifices to do this, but I know they will be so blessed as they dedicate this next 18 months to building the Kingdom of God!