October 9th 2017
We have begun another adventure.  This time we are heading for the Dominican Republic.  We started off spending ten days in Provo at the MTC going over Preach My Gospel which is much improved over the first time we went.  We had packed for the Caribbean of course and as a result about froze while in Provo.  The MTC was great and the food amassed about our waistlines quite nicely. There was a large group of 101 Senior Missionaries all going to different missions around the world with different assignments.

In front of the famous map at the MTC

Walking down toward the new MTC Training buldings

Attentatively listening to our instructor

New ideas

Enjoying the fall colors of Provo as we walked around campus on a free moment.

Saturday afternoon was spent with Jennifer's family at "This is the place monument".  They are ready for  Halloween and Thanksgiving

This dinosaur captured the attention of the kids.

Fin playing with snakes at the snake display.

Leif holding a snake.  Jen had one around her neck but I won't put that pic on.  She looks miserable.

The mock town was built of reproduced or transplanted original buildings from the Salt Lake area.

Many of the business buildings proprietors offered trick or treat for the kids

Mom and Dad enjoying the cool weather and old buildings

We attended the dedication of the huge new MTC buildings and spent a quiet Sunday afternoon wandering through them looking at the 12 new life size murals on the wall.  Apparently they are done on silk so they can be wash and the lighting comes from behind them.

Nephi returning to Jerusalem

Esther before the King.

Full mural of Esther

The sons of Mosiah about to teach the Lamanites. 

Moses crossing the red sea.

The following three days we got up early and boarded the Frontrunner at 6am to go the church office building in Salt Lake where we were taken to the 27th floor for training on Self Reliance-our assignment.

Looking at the Capital from the top floor of the Church Office Building

Looking down 

A long way to the ground

Fountain on Temple Square

Our District pointing to our different assignments area.

We arrived in Santo Domingo about midnight and were taken to our temporary apartment.  We were suppose to be there 2 weeks until our permanent lodgings were available.  Then they changed their minds and decided we were there permanently and would play B&B to any missionaries coming and going that needed temporary places to stay.  Last update is we are moving to another apartment between the 16th of December and 1st of January.  We will keep you posted. The current apartment has 3 bedrooms with 3 kings size beds and their own bathrooms, a large office area, a long dark hallway to the kitchen which is very un-user friendly, a laundry room and maid's quarters (no maid), and a large dining room and front room.  Way too big for missionaries.

Hallway-runway for 747

Office area

Master bedroom

Also master bedroom

Half of the closet.  More bedhind the door

Master bathroom

Kitchen

Another view of the kitchen

Dining area and frontroom

We arrived midnight on Friday and Saturday we went with Wright's to see some of the campo.  They were going to San Cristobal to order some dolls made out of wheat clay.  Ok.  Why not!  We were quite surprised.

Dolls hand made by young workers from rolled out wheat clay.

Sheets of clay rolled into hair and skirts

Santa dolls.  We purchased one of these

Manger scenes.  Also purchased one of these for Christmas.

We continue to learn our responsibilities and someday our bosses will show us where we are suppose to be working and introduce us to the District leaders.  This week we have a seminar for Return Missionaries to get them on track for success in their lives.  Hopefully next week we will begin the adventure traveling about the island and helping to lift the people to a higher level through the self reliance programs.

As would be expected on a Caribbean island, the vegetation is thick and green. 

There are three lanes painted on the road but everyone is willing to share apparently!! 

Looking South out on the Caribbean from the shores at Santo Domingo. The south side of the island is mostly lava rock.  The beautiful beaches apparently are on the north and east sides.

And so begins our Caribbean experience.