A very busyJuly getting ready.

In July, we were very busy getting ready to attend the MTC and fly to the DR-Congo.  The senior couple that we follow was scheduled to fly out before we arrived in Kinshasa.  We felt it was important to have even a short time with Eldera nd Sister Stagg if at all possible.  Therefore, we worked with the PEF Department to attend the PEF training in SLC July 16-20 even before we would be set apart as missionaries.  This we did.  We stayed in Provo with Kara and drove up to the Church Office Building every day rather than find a hotel in SLC.  It worked out well and we are glad we did it that way.  During the five days in SLC, they trained us in all aspects of the PEF program.  It was almost more that our little minds could handle.  It gave us an overview and notes that hopefully we help us in carrying out our responsibilities once we get there. It gave us a chance to meet the other PEF couples being trained.  They were reciving thier training after attending the MTC for a week and were flying to thier mission locations immediately following the training.  The other couples were going to Bolivia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Madagascar.  We enjoyed our time there.

As we returned from PEF training in SLC, we knew that we had a lot to accomplish in only two weeks before we enter the MTC.  We had already started to gather everything on our mission checklist to take with us, but now we had to get it into our luggage and make sure we didn't exceed the weight and size restrictions.  We each were allowed to check two bags weighing 50 pounds each, and we each could have one carryo-on and a personal bag with computer, etc.  We had received emails from the missionary couple in DR-Congo as well as suggestions from our Mission President and his wife.  They were all most helpful.  We started to set everything on the floor at the end of our bedroom. 

With this task started, we were able to attend the Robinson Family Reunion held at the Alpine 4-H camp.  There was a time when we didn't think we would still be around for the reunion, but what a great thing it turned out to be.  This gave us the opportuntiy to see many relatives that we wouldn't normally see before leaving.  We played games, and we even went on a wagon ride through Freedom to the cemetery and to the old homestead.  What a great time we had.

With many family members around for the Robinson reunion, Bishop Hastings arranged for us to speak in sacrament meeting on the 29th thus allowing family to stay and attend.  We both get nervous enough when speaking in church, but with family it is even worse.  But things seemed to go well as we were able to talk a little about the growth of the Church in Africa and how the Perpetual Education Fund is helping so many around the world.  After sacrament meeting a few family members came to our home for a little food and visiting.  We so appreciated those who came and wished us well.

Then the grandkids thought we needed to have a party.  We are beginning to think that to them our home is becoming the party house.  Anyway, we are amazed at how well they organize a party in our basement and how much fun we have together.

As July finished, we knew that it is now crunch time to get everything ready to start our Congo Adventure!!!