SALT LAKE TO MANILLA

March 9-March 11

Even though my mission officially started when I entered the MTC, it got very real for me when I boarded the plane in Salt Lake City with the final destination of Manilla. I feel so honored to be wearing my missionary badge and boldly displaying who I represent for all to see.



We had a 5 ½ hour layover in Las Angeles. Darlene’s daughter, Kim, and some of Darlene’s long time friends picked us up with dinner, a lighted van, and music playing. In spite of my protestations that we not leave the airport (glad I didn’t persist), we went and had a wonderful time. Got back in plenty of time to catch our 11:00 pm flight for Manilla.


Darlene and I had grand plans for our 15 hour flight--reading,
catching up on thank yous, crocheting, etc.--none of which happened. It was lights out, try to sleep, watch a movie or two and try not to go bonkers in our confined space. While the food was decent and the attendants helpful, I have never been so happy to see a flight end! We arrived in Manilla to a bright orange sunrise and proceeded to make our way through customs. Felt pretty strange to be surrounded by people who were speaking a language we didn’t understand at all!

We were met at a designated spot by our driver, Roger, who took us to the Hotel 101. Unfortunately, it was about 8:00 AM and we were told our rooms would not be ready until 2:00! Oh dear!!! We were exhausted and hungry but settled down in the lobby in two of the four chairs available. Finally decided to go into the hotel restaurant for a buffet breakfast, lingered for a while there and at 10:00 decided to go check on our room. Tender mercies! Our room was available! Boy did it feel good to lie down on a real bed! We slept until about 3:00 when our driver returned and took us to the Customs office for fingerprinting and mug shots. We were so lucky not to have to wait in that hot, crowded place for three hours like the senior couple that arrived just ahead of us. Someone is definitely watching out for us. Then back to the hotel for dinner and a good night’s sleep. Then an early morning pick up for our 11:00 flight to Laoag.

So we had about two hours to wait before our flight to Laoag. It’s wasn’t a big airport but they had Krispy Kreme donuts!!! (Unfortunately, you had to buy a dozen so that didn’t work out). Then we noticed a little massage kiosk at the end of the airport. I convinced Darlene that it might be a good idea to get a back and neck massage to get some of the kinks out from our long flight. She hesitatingly went along. Oh boy--big mistake. The masseuses had very firm hands, especially the one working on Darlene. I was doing ok until she started massaging my head and totally destroying any semblance of normalcy. I heard Darlene mention that she had had a hip replacement and was possibly in need of another. When the torture session (Darlene’s words) was over. I got up--looked at Darlene--and just busted out laughing. Her hair was all over, she had mascara smudged under her eye and she said to me “What were you thinking?” then she busted out laughing. I got a glimpse of myself in the mirror--oh my-- I looked like the wild woman from Borneo--Ha Ha! We did our best to compose ourselves and leave the area. What an experience!! Darlene says I owe her big time and I would have to agree!

THE MTC!

March 4-March 9
The start of my actual mission was a little surreal for me. After sending four sons off to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo it seemed a little strange but, oh so wonderful, to have my sons and their families seeing ME off to the MTC!! I have learned much from my children and the learning continues! As I walked the MTC campus, the thought often crossed my mind that I was following in the footsteps of my stalwart sons and it made my heart swell with gratitude and love. It was an inspirational experience to say the least. In our group, there were 125 senior missionaries (only five single sisters). We were surrounded by approximately 1,400 junior missionaries from all corners of the world who were preparing to serve missions in all corners of the world. The atmosphere was energetic and uplifting--such energy!! We were only there for five days but I learned much and fell into bed exhausted each night. I was so impressed by the young return missionaries who taught us. I was truly amazed at how quickly we formed strong and lasting relationships with our fellow senior missionaries. I totally attribute that to the fact that we were all intent on developing our own personal relationship with the Savior, working through the Spirit, and extending Christlike love to each other. It was exhilarating!

March 3, 2019  Boise to Salt Lake City
Nick and Emmi send me off from the Boise airport! So glad they came in to help me with my massive amounts of luggage!  So hard to pack for a whole year!!!  So hard to say goodbye!

March 3, 2019  Salt Lake to Provo MTC
Mack, Ashley, Odessa, Hazel & August picked me up at the Salt Lake airport and took me to Jake and Kaylee's place where I was fed a delicious dinner. Then everyone (including Ellis and Cohen) loaded up and dropped me at the MTC.  Full circle with these sons of mine!  Bit of a mixup at the MTC security gate (and Mack's kids were asleep in the car)  so didn't get a picture of them and only Mack & Odessa came in with me but I was grateful for that!  Love this picture of Mack putting on my tag!  As he pointed out--first "Sister"
Drzayich ever to go on a mission!

            Our MTC District--what a great bunch of people!

Iconic MTC pictures in front of the picture of Christ and pointing to where you are serving on the wall map.
We were a threesome.  Our third companion was a wonderful sister from Virginia--Martha Dubyk.  Sister Dubyk was called to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Hawaii. 

Snapshot of what we did and learned in a jam packed week at the MTC!

March 9, 2019
Time to depart!!!!  Goodbye MTC--it was a grand time!!!  Philippines here we come!!

SENIOR MISSIONARIES

This entry should be dated 3/4/2019.  I'm a little slow on the draw here but will get on a regular schedule soon!!

Many of you have wondered if I will be following the same guidelines as the younger, proselytizing missionaries.and the answer is “no”. There is much more flexibility for the older, wiser missionaries-ha ha. Most senior missionaries serve missions with their spouse as their companion. However, those who find themselves without spouses can request (this is fairly new) a companion who they will serve with the entire length of the mission. I’m so thankful to have found Darlene Robinson to share this experience with! Seniors can also request a type of mission such as service, educational, medical, etc, and can give preference for the length of the mission. Darlene and I will be serving for one year and will most likely be involved with member and missionary support. While all missionaries pay for their missions, junior missionaries contribute a standard rate to the missionary fund and all monies are distributed by the Church. Senior missionaries are solely responsible for all expenses involved with the mission. Cost will vary depending on the location of the mission. Generally, senior missionaries stay in one house or apartment for the duration of the mission, unlike the juniors who change companions and transfer around the mission every six weeks or so. Seniors can call, text, facetime or even visit family and friends anytime (as long as the mission work remains top priority) We can even take naps if we need to!!!

In spite of all the flexibility, senior missionaries, like their junior counterparts, are called to represent Jesus Christ as ministers of the restored gospel and are official representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. What a wonderful opportunity to put personal affairs aside and be an instrument in the Lord’s hands and in His service 24-7 for an entire mission! I am anxious to get out among the Filipino people and share my light!