Graduation Day!

Wow, we made it!  It's Thursday afternoon, we got home and collapsed in our chairs.  Sitting for up to almost 12 hours some days over the past 2 weeks has taken its toll.  But we finished at Megadyne this afternoon with Dr. Blanch with our computer training.  You young folks will be happy to know that Nana and Bubba are pros with the Microsoft PowerPoint program, so if any of you need any help, just give us a call.

A lot of this week was review for Vivienne but for me it was like drinking out of a power hose.  But I loved it and it's obvious from the training that there is much we can do to help the young missionaries be functional and more productive by keeping them healthy.  I'm amazed at the resources the Church has put into the medical/health side of missionary work and the tremendous support staff at not only Church Headquarters, but in each of the Areas around the world.  It seems to be working; they told us that the practices they have put into place since the year 2000 have saved the church more than $143 MillionUS through the year 2011.  And all the moneys expended on missionary health care come out of tithing funds, so it means a lot that our work can save the Church that kind of money.

Here's a shot of the nurses and their spouses that went through missionary training this week with us:

Next to Vivienne is Sister Fuller: Paraguay

Then the Atkins: Atlanta, Georgia, North

Sister Gilbert, New Jersey

The Kearsleys: North and South Dakota

Yeah, I know.  We won the missionay nurse lottery.  Spain is best by far.  We tried to be humble all week, but it was hard not to smile every time we mentioned.

 This picture is mainly for Dave.  This is Dr. and Sister Hebertson.  He serves on the Missionary Health Executive Council (I think).  Anyway, Dave he delivered you!

 This is Dr. Doty who serves as Executive Director of Health for the Missionary Department.  It's hard to pick favorites because there were so many incredible health care professionals that taught us, But Dr. Doty is an amazing man. It was an amazing week!

Now we just have to concentrate on learning Spanish until the visa arrives.  Keep praying with us that it comes sooner rather than later.