June 9, 2014
We packed up and drove to Utah On Saturday and landed at our daughter, Emily's house just in time for Millie's birthday dinner and celebration!

We have had a great week at the MTC (missionary training center) and met many wonderful couples. There have been a few extra features to our week, ones we didn't exactly plan for.  I started out Monday morning with an appointment at Paul's cousin, Chuck Brimhall's dental office getting my broken crown fixed, missing part of our orientation.  Then when we returned, we went to a small crowded classroom in a church building to begin our training.  As I was getting up to leave, I tripped
on the wheels on the table and chair right next to the door and landed flat on my back in the hallway.
Believe me, it was a sight to be seen.  Just call me Grace from now on.  It isn't everyone who breaks their arm the first day at the MTC.  I may just have the distinction of being the first and only one.
Some people will do anything to get a little extra attention
So I am carrying around a little something extra with me to my classes at the MTC.  What is even more fun is getting to explain it to the twenty or so people who ask me about it each day.
Not only will Paul get the privilege of cooking and cleaning when we arrive in Russia, he also gets to find a way to get my cast off in a month.  So, onward and upward.  We are beginning our second week getting a little office training.  Tender mercies:  no broken bones in my back; I still have the use of my right hand.  I still believe Our Heavenly Father answers our prayer, just not always the way we want.  I prayed often about going on this mission and the answer I always received was " be prepared to accept what comes, your mission will not be what you expect."  Well, we thought we were going to the Ukraine and sure enough the change to Russia was not what we expected.  We do know that they really needed an office couple in Vladivostok and were praying for one.  Sometimes answers to prayers are not for our comfort but for our preparation!