Here is an article that Dallin's girlfriend, Kalani, sent to me. It made me cry and smile at the same time. I'm so happy he gets to have this experience.
"PROVO -- Imagine celebrating Christmas Day with your mind and heart focused on Jesus Christ. Orem resident Stephanie Palmer said that's what her daughter will be doing Wednesday at the Missionary Training Center.
Sister Kayla Palmer entered the MTC Dec. 18. She will be serving in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. Before she leaves, she will get to experience what few missionaries or even general membership of the church will experience -- spending Christmas with LDS Church General Authorities.
Palmer will be one of just less than 2,000 missionaries that will join together on Christmas, according to Cody Craynor, church spokesman. Missionaries who live and study at the west campus will come to the main campus for the day.
"Though not with their families, missionaries in the Missionary Training Center have many opportunities to reflect upon the Savior including his birth, perfect life and infinite atonement on Christmas," Craynor said. "On Christmas day, missionaries will join together for several gatherings including video presentations, a talent show, a special Christmas dinner and a devotional with a general authority of the Church."
If there is one downside to spending Christmas in the MTC, it would be that missionaries will not be able to phone home.
"Missionaries at the Provo Missionary Training Center do not call home on Christmas. However, they are given an opportunity to email their families," Craynor said.
While Stephanie Palmer said she is a little sad she won't be able to get a phone call from her MTC missionary, it's ok because of what she will get in return.
"I think it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a Christmas to remember," Stephanie Palmer said. "I've heard Christmas in the MTC is wonderful. A day spent with general authorities and a day spent focused on Christ."
Returned missionary Thomas Larsen, of Lindon, said, "I was in the MTC for Christmas and it was my best Christmas yet. It was one of the most amazingly spiritual experiences of my life."
Elijah Batemon remembers his MTC Christmas.
"It was a great experience. Two of our Christmas presents were Elder Holland and Elder Bednar. The best part of being there for Christmas was they kept us pretty busy, so most people didn't have time to get homesick," Batemon said.
If tradition continues, all the Elders will receive a tie. Gifts for sisters have varied. The ties are donated by an unnamed international businessman."
Genelle Pugmire - Daily Herald, Provo
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