Day Two

This is the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center (MTC). Approximately 2,000 missionaries reside here at any given time. There are currently 17 Missionary Training Centers throughout the world. The MTC is a missionary's first stop in his/her mission travels. It's purpose is to give missionaries an opportunity to further learn the doctrines of Jesus Christ and to develop and strengthen Christlike attributes. Missionaries who will be speaking their native language generally remain at the MTC for 3 weeks. Missionaries who will be learning a new language generally reside at the MTC for 9 weeks. There are currently almost 50 languages being taught at the Provo, Utah MTC.

The MTC is a self-contained campus containing everything a missionary needs while there. This is a link to an article regarding the MTC if you are interested in learning more click here:

Austin's first few days in the MTC, as expected, were really hard. He was VERY homesick. He was able to email us on his second day to inform us about some shots he needed. Here's an excerpt of his letter:

Here is my experience so far in the first two days:

1. I miss home a lot - yesterday was incredibly hard.

2. I'm having phone withdrawals.

3. The MTC food doesn't settle well -- please send Tums.
4. Our teacher hasn't spoken a word of English and said he isn't going to. I'm doing better than most with the language, but it is still pretty wild.
5. The MTC is like prison, except in prison you get an hour of recreation and we only get thirty minutes.
6. The temple is closed this whole month and the gym is closed for two weeks. -_- Not cool.

I've had some moments of positivity. Seeing friendly faces from BYU has helped me feel a little better, and I saw Joey Scott today and talked for a minute. The Spirit can be really strong here when you focus on it.

Love,
Elder Claiborne

Day One; Orlando Airport

Here is everyone at the airport hamming it up for the camera at the early hour of 5:00 a.m. We were all okay until Austin actually got in line to go through security. Reality check.


Deanne kept thinking to herself, "All these travelers have absolutely no idea what a monumental event is occuring in our lives right now."


There was a cute young family in line next to Austin. Courtney noticed that they kept glancing over at him and talking. Suddenly they said to him, "Good luck, Elder!" That is when Deanne fell apart. It was a reminder to us of what a small world it really is and how the gospel is growing.

Austin reported later that he felt strongly that little family was placed there at that time to help him feel less alone in the world as he boarded his plane. They ended up sitting near him on his flight to Utah. Austin called it one of the Savior's tender mercies.

This is the order in which I think Austin will miss 'people':

1. Becca Menke
2. Olivia, his niece
3. Shadrach and Molly, his dogs
4. Chris Opificius
5. I think the rest of us are all jumbled up somewhere on or below spot #5. ;)

Here is Austin with his best friend, Chris Opificius (one of our "adopted" sons). Chris leaves on November 30th to serve a mission in the Dominican Republic.

Day One; Missionary Training Center

Uncle Jon and Aunt Natalie -- Elder Claiborne's Utah parents. :)

Aunt Nat reports that driving up to the MTC was just as she imagines it will be as we arrive in the Celestial Kingdom. The road was lined with an army of God's angels smiling broadly and waiting to greet incoming missionaries. Even outside the MTC they could feel the great spirit there.

Those who have served a full-time mission will tell you the first days in the MTC are hard. It is a big adjustment learning to turn your focus entirely outward to serve our Savior. Here's Elder Claiborne putting on his best brave smile for the camera. The smile looks a bit staged, doesn't it? He's already feeling the homesickness, but is willing nonetheless to put God's children first. Time to go to work . . .