Elder and Sister Martin Micronesia and India Missions: Call to India, Preparation and Mission Reunions

We received an email regarding our call to India while on vacation in Taormina, Italy. Sister Martin was going through her emails, and all at once she screamed! Sister Martin's Brother and Sister in law heard the scream from the other room and asked if everything was alright. She said she was fine and continued to read the email.

Taormina, Italy where we found out about our call to India

Sister Hansen from the Mission Office in Bengaluru, India had written, congratulating us on accepting our call to India. Our actual call letter had not arrived to our mail box back home. We had our family checking every other day or so but nothing had come.

When we arrived back home we opened our actual call letter. It said we would serve as Public Affairs missionaries. Elder and Sister Berg of the Public Affairs department had also sent us an email regarding our call while on vacation.

About a month prior to our departure date, we enjoyed a week of Public Affairs Training with three other couples in Salt Lake City, Utah hosted by Elder and Sister Berg. It was valuable training, giving us a glimpse of what our service might involve when we arrive to India. They emphasized that one of our main focuses should be to make friends.

Public Affairs - Elder and Sister Williams, Elder and Sister Burton, Elder and Sister Martin, Elder and Sister Adams

On October 22, 2018 we entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. This was our second time to the MTC together. We loved the special spirit we felt and the overall experience. They did pack in a very busy schedule which was quite tiring at times. We were there with nearly 40 couples. Some were serving in the United States and others to far away places like Russia, Iraq, Adriatic countries and more.

The day we arrived

In front of the world map pointing to Bengaluru, India.

Elder and Sister Martin pictured with some of the other faithful missionary couples with us at the MTC (3 groups)

One day we had the opportunity to tour the new training building. There were several large beautiful back-lit murals that we observed. Our group spent some time in front of the mural showing Moses leading the Children of Israel through the parted Red Sea. It was fantastic as we discussed our thoughts and feelings about the painting.

Moses and the children of Israel walking through the parted Red Sea

The Brother of Jared making the stones that would later be touched by the finger of the Lord to give light to the barges

A mural depicting the story of Esther from the Holy Bible

While at the MTC, Sister Martin and I joined the MTC choir and sang in the Tuesday evening devotional. We were blessed to have been there with Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Both he and his wife spoke to us. His talk included excerpts from the missionaries who taught his family when he was only five years old. It was amazing.

Elder Ulisses Soares

Our MTC experience was very uplifting and challenging. We were part of a small district of four couples that we spent time with. We found many connections. For example, Elder and Sister Jones mentioned that one of their children married one of Bob and Annette Priddis's children. Bob and Annette had recently returned from serving as the office couple in the Bengaluru, India mission. Bob Priddis is my 1st cousin. A few weeks earlier, we had spent a Sunday with them in Big Piney, Wyoming. They gave us various insights about India and the Mission.

Brother Brock (teacher), Elder and Sister Jones, Elder and Sister Bales, Elder and Sister Rampton (not shown)

Earlier in the Month of October, we had the opportunity of going to our two Micronesia Guam Mission Reunions. One with President and Sister Mecham and then with President and Sister Zarbock. It was great to see so many and reminisce of the wonderful experiences we all had while serving in the islands.