Goodbye MTC….

At 3:30 this morning, Anne woke up for the last time at the MTC.   It had been a long  and busy 9 weeks that seemed like they were never going to end…and then it was over!      We  received a call from Anne from the airport in Chicago.   She was nervous and ecstatic and half way to Montreal, Canada where she will spend the next 16 months sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Anne was so excited when she received 8 letters yesterday.   But as of today, no more mail to the MTC in Provo.  She is so grateful for all the support and encouragement from family and friends!  In a recent letter Anne wrote,  "I'm soooo thankful to everyone who's written me while I've been here.   It's meant the world and buoyed me through some really tough days of missionary life!   I'm eternally grateful!" :-)

A quick story from Anne's last few days at the MTC….  The teacher was talking to the group of missionaries about how if just one person is being rowdy / noisy / obnoxious, it can ruin the atmosphere and take away the spirit for everyone.   At this point one of the Elder's in her group (who grew up in China until he was 6 and still speaks with a pretty interesting accent) spoke out and said "That reminds me of an old Chinese proverb:  "Just one small piece of mouth poop…" (confused looks all around from the group) "…mouth poop!"  (till confusion and some giggles),  "You know, MOUTH poop!"   Then his companion jumped in, "Do you mean mouse poop, Elder?"   The response was emphatic, "Yes!   Mouth poop!'   At this point Anne lost it and couldn't stop laughing, she laughed so hard she cried.   The teacher cried out "Oh no…not you Sister Olson, I would expect them (gesturing to the Elders) to laugh.   But….you're like our Rock, if you lose it, we're all gone!"   As Anne relayed the story to us, she laughed saying, "But really, how could you not laugh at "mouth poop?"  "Just one small piece of mouth poop…."   We never did hear the end of that proverb….

Besides growing spiritually, learning French and honing missionary skills, Anne was able to squeeze in some time to learn some very "ninja-esque" moves….

We are so excited and looking forward to being able to talk to Anne in a couple of weeks.   Other than when they are at the airport as they leave the MTC, Christmas and Mother's Day are the only times missionaries are permitted to call home.   It was a wonderful 15 minutes!

We will keep you updated on Anne's missionary adventures in Canada.   As Anne would say,

 "Au Revoir and Joyeux Noel…and don't be mouth poop!"