The MTC: Myth and Magic

Determine whether the following statements are true or false. Check for correct answers below

1. T/F: Hogwarts is the best literary representation of the MTC.

2. T/F: Avoid the orange juice or run the risk of serious illness.

3. T/F: Teenage boys are dumb.

4. T/F: Since the momentous October announcement, there are equal numbers of Elders and Sisters in the MTC.

5. T/F: The MTC schedule keeps us clipping along at a ridiculous pace.

6. T/F: If we do our best, the Lord will take care of the rest.

7. T/F: Teaching investigators is better than holding hands.

8. T/F: Letters and packages are second only in joy and cheer to Santa Claus himself.

Answer Key:

1. True...well, at least a little bit. I didn't arrive via Platform Nine and Three-Quarters and I haven't met Snape yet, but the metaphor holds true in other significant ways. The Sisters and Elders fall into two character categories: Hermione Granger (level of know-it-all-ism varies) and Neville Longbottom (just remember that this fine chap turns out to be best of all despite his unimpressive personality). The MTC defies all sociological laws...pure magic. 19 year-old boys obey rules with exactness. Groups of unmonitored youth stay on task. Boys who have never read the Book of Mormon carry the Spirit in abundance. So...not exactly a JK Rowling novel, but definitely magical.

2. False. This is the most common piece of advice passed on from experienced MTC goers, but it is a myth. The OJ is delicious. I am confident that the rumor is a conspiracy to preserve the OJ for those who love it the most.

3. False, false, false. I used to walk to the Provo temple on Sunday nights and stare with horror at the throngs of teenage missionaries. I felt sure that I would never be able to endure the MTC because of them. Ah, but how I must repent now. My district consists of 8 oustandingly obedient Elders, and my opinion of teenage boys is improving by the day.

4. False. Not until January. I'm part of the last thrust of 21-and-older sisters. It's a strange thing to be a minority at the MTC. Sisters are generally revered (and stared at a bit more than is appropriate), but definitely out of place. Thank goodness for a hastening of the work.

5. True.

6. True. Or at least, I really hope so. I was called to be the Coordinating Sister (like a Relief Society President for the Zone), and I am a little overwhelmed. But very glad to serve new sisters. 

7. True. Only two things keep me awake at night with a goofy grin on my face: holding hands (please note that this is a reference to my pre-MTC days) and teaching a spiritually-convincing lesson.

8. True! A thousand thanks to friends and family who busied the mail room for my sake last week!