Jackie and the MTC

(contributed by Jackie's Mom)

We took Jackie to the mission home today. It was an interesting experience. We turned into the parking lot and there were older men with orange vests and young missionaries directing traffic. As we were driving around the building there were 8-10 missionaries (Floyd said there were more than that - - there were missionaries all over) on the grass waving to all the newcomers.

We were sent to a large numbered cone . (There were cones numbered from 1-15?). A woman with a clipboard and two missionaries were waiting. As we were getting out of the car, the woman asked for Jackie's name. She looked on her clipboard and gave me a slip of paper with Jackie's mailbox number on it. One missionary took our picture, we hugged her and off she went.

One of the missionaries helping us was going to Russia. Jackie asked if he had learned any Russian. He answered that he knew a little bit. Then Jackie started busting out her Russian phrases as they walked off. It took all of 10 minutes. The woman did tell me that we should get an e-mail from Jackie in about a week.

Jackie's mailing address is

Sister Jackie Mae Fuller
MTC Mailbox # 159-0819
Texas Houston East
2005 N 900 E
Provo, Utah 84604-1793

The card that the woman gave me also said that, "All missionary mail should come through the US Mail or commercial delivery services. Hand deliverd items will NOT be accepted. Do not send pizzas, fast foods, items needing refrigeration or anything perishable.

The CALL

I received a call on Monday, June 1st from my single's ward bishop. He told me that my mission call was on the way and I should have it by Wednesday or Thursday. I was so excited that I packed my stuff and headed home to Garland.

Wednesday came and no call. Thursday came and no call. I was way bummed! I kept calling the garland post office and asking them where it was. Around lunchtime on Thursday my aunt Pam called and said that it sent to her house! She lives in Orem and was waiting until her husband came home so they could drive it up. I was freaking out! Where was I going to go to serve the lord for 18 months? Japan? New Hampshire? Chile?

I had my out of state and country siblings on the phone and through video chat. I had family watching me as I cut the top of the envelope. I read the place first to myself.....

"Well?" They asked....

"Uh..." I couldn't say it! It was too shocking....Texas Houston East...English Speaking....leaving when? July 29th? That is so soon! Less than two months!

I finally told everyone, then I got to eat...Potatoes and gravy and ham....mmmm....I love that stuff!