Hermana Garfield checks in to the MTC

Gabrielle is now an official missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah yesterday and will be there about 8 weeks studying Spanish before she heads off to Santiago, Chile. Stephen and I flew down with her to turn her over to the Lord's service. It was so hard to see her walk out that "Missionary Exit" door, but we have strong faith that what she is doing for the next 18 months is exactly the right thing for her.

Here is her address in the MTC:

Sister Gabrielle Garfield

MTC Mailbox #89

CHI-SATE 0601

2005 N 900 E

Provo, UT 84604-1793

There is a handy website called http://www.dearelder.com/ that allows you to send her letters for free, even when she is in Chile. They also have care packages you can purchase and have sent to her. Missionaries love mail, so I hope you will all take a moment now and again to send her your love. The above information is all you need: mailbox #89, mission CHI-SATE, date to leave MTC 0601. Her mission is called Chile Santiago East, which you will need to know when you send letters to Chile. Of course, you can also send a regular letter or package.

We are very proud of Gabby. She really is an exceptional young woman and we are confident she will be an amazing missionary.

Thanks to all of you who support her and our family. Many of Gabby's friends from college came to wish her well the evening before her first day at the MTC and again the next morning at Denny's. And most of Stephen's family were with us as we went to the MTC. Love matters, and we so appreciate all the kindnesses and generosity extended to Gabby and to us.

p.s. This is my first attempt to upload photos. Obviously, I know nothing about layout, so bear with me while I keep practicing over the next weeks and months. Tomorrow: Chicago!