We have just completed our stay at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. Our days there were filled with food, instruction, and insight. We gained in wisdom, knowledge, and weight. We found out upon our arrival that Air New Zealand will restrict us to 50 pounds less baggage than what Delta Airlines allows. So right of the bat we had to cull our things to reduce our weight. The first couple of days were spent in honing our teaching skills. We even had to present a couple of 45-minute lessons to a couple of older ladies. They were generous and kind, and the practice was quite beneficial.
We then spent two days in Salt Lake City learning about the Perpetual Education Fund, which we will be responsible for in the Pacific Islands. We really found that program to be inspiring and it was easy to catch a vision of how it can help these great people become more self-reliant.
The weather was beautiful and pleasant most of the time we were there, although I think we arrived at the peak of the fall color display. We took a couple of pictures, but they didn't capture the vivid colors and vast varieties that we enjoyed so much.
It started turning colder the second week we were there and even snowed one evening. But we were able to stay inside most of the time. We divided up for our training and instruction the second week. Diane's time was spent on learning about employment and professional placement program, which we will be responsible for. And my time was spent focusing on major Humanitarian Initiatives, such as wheelchair distribution, clean water projects, and Neonatal Resuscitation Training. I also spent a day going over Disaster Relief procedures.
Shortly after our arrival we learned that our visas had been sent to New Zealand for additional medical review. And then later we were told that I would have to have a current cardiac assessment, ECG, and stress test done before they would approve our visas. With alot of prayer I was able to get into see a cardiologist and complete all of the tests the same day we learned of the new requirements. So the additional information has now been sent to New Zealand for review. Needless to say, we are on "Visa Hold," pending approval.
My brother Kent graciously agreed to put us up in his home in South Jordan, Utah until our visas arrived. We expect that to take between 10 to 14 days, but could easily be more or less -- we just don't know. In the meantime we will continue to study about our future areas of responsibility and the cultures and people we are anxious to visit.
We then spent two days in Salt Lake City learning about the Perpetual Education Fund, which we will be responsible for in the Pacific Islands. We really found that program to be inspiring and it was easy to catch a vision of how it can help these great people become more self-reliant.
The weather was beautiful and pleasant most of the time we were there, although I think we arrived at the peak of the fall color display. We took a couple of pictures, but they didn't capture the vivid colors and vast varieties that we enjoyed so much.
It started turning colder the second week we were there and even snowed one evening. But we were able to stay inside most of the time. We divided up for our training and instruction the second week. Diane's time was spent on learning about employment and professional placement program, which we will be responsible for. And my time was spent focusing on major Humanitarian Initiatives, such as wheelchair distribution, clean water projects, and Neonatal Resuscitation Training. I also spent a day going over Disaster Relief procedures.
Shortly after our arrival we learned that our visas had been sent to New Zealand for additional medical review. And then later we were told that I would have to have a current cardiac assessment, ECG, and stress test done before they would approve our visas. With alot of prayer I was able to get into see a cardiologist and complete all of the tests the same day we learned of the new requirements. So the additional information has now been sent to New Zealand for review. Needless to say, we are on "Visa Hold," pending approval.
My brother Kent graciously agreed to put us up in his home in South Jordan, Utah until our visas arrived. We expect that to take between 10 to 14 days, but could easily be more or less -- we just don't know. In the meantime we will continue to study about our future areas of responsibility and the cultures and people we are anxious to visit.
1 comment:
Yea! This will be so much fun to be able to keep up with you. Dad, did they give you the results of your tests? Good luck with visa-ing!
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