MTC (Missionary Training Center) - Here I Come!!

September ~ 2010

Biometric craziness?!!

     The months between May and September were busily filled with both spiritual and temporal preparations.  Evan handled the spiritual, while Mom took care of most of the temporal.  There were the usual things - passport photos (2 for the passport & 6 to be sent to the mission president in Germany), a new expedited passport (his current one would expire while in Germany), a request to Olympia for an extended WSDL (this would also expire while in Germany), biometric photos for a very strict German visa application (don't even ask!!).  Oh! And let's not forget the debit card.  It needed to be reissued . . . it would expire while he was in Germany.  Are you catching a general pattern here.  That was only some of the paper work.
     Then of course there was the medical exam (and required shots), dental exam (especially the status of wisdom teeth), and eye exam (two year supply of contacts & extra pair of glasses).  And the otc meds, vitamins, and first aid necessities on the "required" packing list was (to say the least) extensive.    
     Suits would be the standard dress six days out of each week for the next two years,  so their were suits to be purchased, dress shirts (6 long / 6 short sleeved), several pair of dress socks, as well as ties, and  sturdy dress shoes that would hold up to extensive walking.  I could go on, at the risk of boring anyone who reads this.  It certainly became apparent to us, why they give you four months to get everything in order.  It seemed like a lot of time back in May when Evan received his call.  But that time flew by really fast.  
     Any way, as much as I despise shopping (for anything) - well maybe not crafts - when all was said and done - you know what?  I'd do it all over again!!  What an experience he has to look forward to while serving the Lord and the people of Germany!