Back in the USSR (MTC)

I just had to find a way to work in the title of the Beatles song to this blog.
We've had a wonderful few days since "graduating" from the MTC.  Now that we're waiting on a visa (visado in Spain; visa in Latin America) we're back 3 days a week, or more, working feverishly on Spanish.  Today we started a program called TALL.  Those of you who have been recently through language training at the MTC will know all about it....Technically Assisted Language Learning.
Last Saturday we had a really terrific experience; going through a session at the Draper Temple in Spanish.  First time in a foreign language for either of us.  And wouldn't you know it- they asked us to be the witness couple.  Go figure.  Everything went fairly well.....until the prayer circle.  Fun.
It was a could a snowy day but the temple was certainly busy with weddings.

That night we went down to Temple Square for the annual Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Program.  This year the headliner talent was Tom Brokaw and Alfie Bow from England (of Les Miserable 25th anniversary fame as Jean ValJean).  Before the show we decided to go eat somewhere at City Center or the Lion House.  Bad Idea.  There were thousands of people (I'm not exaggerating) with the same idea.  As we stood looking at lines snaking clear outside at every restaurant Vivienne said, "Isn't there a grocery store nearby?"  I remember there's a new Harmons just across the street, so we sped over there and were surprised at the amazing amenities inside the store.  We found ourselves with a smorgasbord of choices, buffet style and wonderful cafe table seating all around the second floor.  And NO lines.  If you're ever downtown, need a place to eat, and are frustrated with the crowds, just skip across the street and have a great getaway meal.  Afterwards we walked around Temple Square.  It was magical.

Last night was the annual Christmas Dinner for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.  It was our last opportunity to attend since Vivienne retired this past April.  We'll miss the wonderful meal at Grand America Ballroom but mostly we'll miss the chance to mingle with great friends and with the Prophet, who always attends.  I don't know if we'll have many occasions to mingle in a small crowd with the Prophet again in our lives.  

It has been a fantastic ride in the choir.  But I must say we thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the audience Saturday night and being immensely entertained.