It seems almost counterintuitive that having been up since about 3 a.m. I can say it was a good day from early until late--but that is the case. When I awoke so early this morning, I read my chapter from Das Buch Mormon, and the corresponding chapter in English, and then I really did try to go back to sleep, since just 4 hours is not long enough to rest, in my opinion. But sleep just would not return, despite the various strategies I tried. So at about 4 I just got up. I had a few things I needed to get done for the inspection [which apparently never happened--tomorrow or Wednesday is now on the schedule], and then I felt like I had the time to burn a few more copies of my CD, This Life is the Test. Since the 12 melodies are short [about 15 minutes total] I got them done before my alarm went off at 5 a.m.
Our musical program at Mission Devotional was well-received, and there were only a few noticable flaws in our performance. The narrative which accompanied the hymns was very touching, and the music was quite powerful.
On my way to the Library I walked by the side of the North Visitors Center--I had never walked that before, and the flowers are in full bloom, so it was very pretty. Of course, my motive was not to see the flowers, but to have a few extra minutes to talk with my Sweetheart.
When I got to the Library, I learned that in the morning I would have 2 hours in the Training room, instead of just 1, which suited me just fine. It fact, it allowed me to mentor the three new missionaries in successfully completing their certifications focusing on the reference interview. I was able to do a role play with them, and they passed their certifications with flying colors. Although the basic training seems focused on making sure that the guests in the Library have successful experiences, to me it is just as important that the new missionaries feel successful.
At the end of the 2 hours it was time for lunch--and as I left I saw a couple who had finished their mission just a few months ago. It was such a joy to see them--I had helped the brother quite a bit with his German ancestors, deciphering the records. It was fun to learn that he feels he is more comfortable with the handwriting of the particular minister in the parish he is researching. I kept telling him when I was working with him that he would become the expert in those records, and that is coming to pass. I told him that I had become him, because in the last weeks before they left he was at the Library doing research every moment--and I have been experiencing some of that urgency.
When I talked with his wife, I remembered that I had the CDs in my purse--so I gave her one. That was when I felt I had been inspired to burn them this morning, since I will probably not see them again.
I saw my Chinese-American friend and it did not dawn on me at first that she was putting something into MY locker--she had brought me a beautiful bouquet of red tulips as an Easter/Spring present! I was so glad to be able to give her a CD, Then I found the sister who has been very supportive ever since I first came--and last week she gave me some lovely dishcloths, which I think she made herself. Anyway, I was able to give her a CD.
In the afternoon was my last Trainers meeting. I did make a plea for the remaining Trainers to use the In-service lessons with the new missionaries. But I have to let that go--I cannot be here to ensure that it happens. I am glad that for the last several sets of missionaries I have been able to help them with that.
I got to spend another hour in the Training room, because the same sister had some other pressing duties, so I spent the time cleaning more papers out of my locker. I had looked through a large folder of German handwriting helps, and decided I could part with it, and I was glad that the Trainer who is taking my place was willing to take it!
I knew when I started back to the apartment that if I was going anywhere I had to do it right away. I took my big box of clothes to Deseret Industries, the major thrift store here. Then I stopped at the market and got more apples. I will take some of them along with cheese to the last get-together of my MTC group.
This evening my Sweetheart and I got to Skype! That is pretty much the highlight of my week! We had some things we needed to work on together, and we got them accomplished. During the course of that call I learned how to take a screenshot on my phone, and then attach it to a text. I am glad to have learned how to do that! I still have wedding announcements to send out, and without physical copies texting seems to work the best--and now I can get that done.
Well, I am off to bed soon, I hope. I expect I will have no trouble falling asleep tonight!
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