The Beautiful MTC - Pictures and captions by Craig

The MTC campus has much to look at, it is not only beautiful, but reminds us that we are children of a Heavenly Father; that we are spiritual beings. We see art that tell stories of those who have paved the way for us and still teach us long after they left the earth. Being there is truly a spiritual experience. It is one we will not forget. Here are Craig's beautiful pictures of some of the art and the surroundings created for our pleasure.

 In the south entrance a chandelier was commissioned to an artist not of our faith. The art piece was to represent God's plan for us. She created an earth surrounded by white articles. Each article is in a unique position and level. She illustrated our faith well; that each of us is unique and incomparable, and on an eternal path of progression in companionship with Heavenly Father, Jesus, and each other.

From this angle you see progress exists before this life on earth and long into the future representing our eternal divine nature.

An arial view from one of the south towers overlooking the missionary training center. 1000 to 3000 missionaries at a time live at the center. The duration depends on assignment and how many languages to be learned. Currently, 57 languages are being taught here. We are here for only two weeks. Last time I was here, 47 years ago, it was much smaller, and I studied here for 8 weeks to learn Swedish.

The facility and grounds are beautiful and peaceful. Largely made possible by the donations and the high levels of volunteer labor and time dedicated by members.

  

Here is our training group with our teachers. They returned from their missions within the last year or so. Missionaries here fit into two groups: young and very shiny looking, and the silver ones, who together with their sweethearts serve for 1-2 years in over 150 different assignments around the world. Suzanne and I will be focusing on humanitarian efforts for the people in Laos.

Since we arrived we have averaged about 6000 steps a day moving between classes and programs.

This is one of the work and study areas with inspirational artwork.

Here is one in use. Slightly posed by missionaries who wanted me to have a good picture.

Even the architecture guides you to lift your gaze and look up.

One of the murals depicting a scene from the Book of Mormon i.e., Nephi returning to Jerusalem to accomplish a task - not fully understanding how it can be done.