that's what she said: Grandma J to the MTC

Yesterday was a big day for Splenda and his mom. He dropped her off Monday morning at the "MTC." She has agreed to serve the next 18 months as a missionary for our church at the Washington DC Temple. How cool is that?

Just as Luka gave 2 years, the seniors in our church can also request to serve missions. This is Grandma's second. Her first was in the Macon, GA area. As opposed to her previous one and Luka's, this time it will not be proselyting. Instead she will serve on the temple grounds. It could include a variety of duties, but primarily, conducting tours and being there as visitors attend to answer any questions they may have.

A newly called missionary spends the first period of time in what we call the MTC - Missionary Training Center. If they are going to learn a foreign language such as Luka did, they spend about 3 months. In Grandma's case, it will be a couple of weeks.

Enough time to orient her to her duties and get her prepared.

During the next 18 months, she will dedicate her life to serving other people. I find that completely and totally admirable and honorable. Is it hard to leave your children and grandchildren? I can only imagine knowing that a lot can happen in 18 months. People change, kids grow older, relatives pass away. It takes a great amount of faith and dedication. But then again, Grandma J has always been the example, nay, the very epitome of faith and dedication.