We’re allowed two bags (50 pounds each maximum), a carry on (40 pounds), and a personal item (such as a purse or computer bag) at Church expense. Trying to fit everything in that we think we’ll need for the next two years within that weight limit just isn’t working for me!

This afternoon I packed my suitcases and took them across the hall to the exercise room. In addition to two treadmills and two stationary bikes, there is, very conveniently, a flat bed scale. I’m at minimum 16 pounds overweight so long as no one checks the actual weight of my carry on bag…. So, tomorrow I’ll mail one more box to Hawaii. Hopefully that’ll be sufficient.

Delta charges $25 for the first bag, $35 for the second bag, and $150 for any additional suitcases. Further, there is a size restriction (length plus width plus height). All of our suitcases fit within the size restrictions. If the bags are overweight, there is an additional charge: 51-70 pounds is $80 and $150 for bags weighing more than 70 pounds. Any additional bag or excess weight charges is at our expense. It’s less expensive to mail the excess weight than it is to pay the airline to fly it!

Yesterday was our “preparation day” or P-Day for short. We didn’t have any scheduled classes or meetings. It was a full day, however. After breakfast we walked up to the Provo Temple and did a session. We were back in time for lunch. Then we did laundry in one of the largest laundromats I have ever seen. There must be more than 150 washer/dryer combinations. Using the facility is cost free, we just have to furnish the detergent and fabric softener. By the time that was done, it was time for dinner. After dinner it was time to iron the shirts and get everything put away and ready for bed.

This morning we attended Church services here at the MTC. We’ll have two meetings this evening. At 5 pm is a “Departure Devotional” for anyone departing the MTC during the coming week. At 7 pm is another devotional which will feature a General Authority from Salt Lake. When that’s done, we’ll be ready to crash for the night.

We’ll have training on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning. Then finish packing and catch the shuttle at 7:30 am to the airport on Thursday. It’s getting close!

Life is pleasantly tired.