August 1999

Twelve years ago today I entered the MTC. I remember being so excited because I was going to see my little brother who had been there for the past 4 weeks. He'd really become more of a close friend the couple years before than just a brother so I was especially looking forward to seeing him. I remember seeing him peaking through the glass of a window during one of our first meetings waving frantically at me. I was so excited when I spotted him. When we ran into each other later in the store and gave each other a great big hug there were several gasps from other missionaries. (Elder and Sister missionaries do not hug each other.) We had to explain that we were brother and sister. It was pretty funny. For one week we had our classes in the same building just around the corner from each other. That same day we were introduced to our MTC district. (The group we pretty much spend all of our time with while in the MTC.) Within my group, 3 of us were going to Florianopolis, Brazil. Elder Bauer, me, and Elder Pluid. Naturally we become close because we were all going to the best mission in the world. (I know every one says that. But I'm pretty sure every one feels that way.)

When it came time for us to head the the CTM in Sao Paulo they assigned Elder Pluid and Elder Bauer to my companions for the day. Not many people can say they married one of their missionary companions.