First time out of the country

8/23/22 Crossing paths with Elder Tanner Gibson. (Neil and Liam's friend) He was calling his family and introducing Ruth as his favorite fishing buddy's older sister. Upon seeing the picture Liam said: "No way that's pretty epic!" and Neil said: "That's my boyfriend"

Other familiar people at the MTC this week were Mari Wood from Jr. High who is also going to Canada Tagolog speaking. She and Elder Duncan went to Highland together so they knew each other too. 

Also, two elders from our stake. Connor Washburn and Crew Smith. 

8/24/22 4am Canada travel buddies. The lobby is PACKED with Canada Missionaries. So much Luggage.

About to board in SLC on the way to Seattle. Accidentally left scripture bag out of carry on this time and since that counted as a third bag was forced to check it. Concerning since missionaries are staying in a hotel the first night and getting their companion the next day so won't have access to all luggage. Just carry on. Prayers all goes well. 

These are literally the only tall socks I brought with me. 

and I look like a dork. 

We just boarded. 

It's tiny. 

Like, almost tinier than the one we took between islands in Hawaii. 

Its 2 seats by 2 seats and most of my group had to check their carry-ons anyways because the overhead storage is so small. 

CANADA TRAVEL

 

**IMPORTANT** You do not need a visa to enter Canada, but you may receive a Visitor Record from a border agent, BUT the border agent is under no obligation to issue one to you. You can apply for one once you enter Canada, but it is SO much easier to have the border agent issue one to you. If you don’t get one, please ask for one. If they still don’t give you one, DO NOT push it, just get through customs. You can go through the longer process of applying for one once you get to your mission. 

 

You MUST comply with any instruction given by a border officer.  No questions, no exceptions!

 

Again, if you told by a border agent that you need to isolate/quarantine, DO NOT try to negotiate or convince them. Call missionary travel and we will book a hotel if needed. 

COVID TESTING FOR TRAVEL

 

Canada has changed their COVID testing requirements. They no longer require travelers to take a COVID test as long as they are fully vaccinated. Individuals who have had two shots of Moderna, Pfizer, AstraZeneca, or any combination of the two, are generally considered fully vaccinated.  Individuals who have had the single Janssen (J&J) are also considered fully vaccinated.

 

 

Summary of what you should be doing in preparation for travel:

1. Missionaries should enter their Covid vaccines in the ArriveCAN app or webpage before travel. If you experience trouble with the app missionary travel can’t really help. You’ll need to call their help desk.
2. Upon arrival, a random Covid test may be administered.
1. Negative – NO hotel stay is needed > continue to mission.
2. Positive – call missionary travel at 801-240-5111. They will arrange a hotel for quarantine if needed.
3. Keep Covid CDC card with passport.

 

COVID Travel Guidelines:

 

When departing or returning home – regardless of location – we ask missionaries and their families to strictly follow established guidelines to prevent the spread of illness while at the airport or on an airplane. Families should limit the number of people picking up, dropping off, or accompanying a missionary based on local airport regulations. Whenever missionaries are inside the airport or an airplane, they should wear a mask, avoid congregating in groups, not shake hands or hug, and obey all social distancing measures. Above all, missionaries and their families should promptly follow all instructions from airport officials or volunteers. We appreciate the cooperation of missionaries and their families as we all work to follow these important safety guidelines

 

Airlines are requiring all passengers to wear face masks in flight.  You will need to obtain your own face mask before airport arrival.

LUGGAGE GUIDELINES

Each Missionary is allowed to bring two 50lb checked bags, one carry-on bag, and one personal item that is small enough to be stowed under your seat. Overweight fees above the 50lb limit for each bag will not be covered or reimbursed.

The itinerary shows how many bags are included in the cost of the ticket free of charge – NOT how many are allowed on the flights. If the cost for 2 bags is NOT included in your itinerary (ie—shows only 0, 1 ) you will need pay those luggage fees at the time of check in.  For reimbursement, please save your receipts and turn them into your mission office upon arrival.

Made it!

And SISTER EARL AND I FINALLY MET ELDER CHAPMAN!

He is the elder in our district that was from Canada and instead of getting a passport just to come to the USA to go to the MTC, he just did everything online through zoom. 

The other group of Calgary Canada missionaries leaving the MTC today got delayed in San Fran bc the tire on their plane popped lol so they haven't even left yet. 

From Sister Evans: Aug 24, 6:23PM

Just letting you know we survived and are just learning a bit more about Alberta and the mission lol. Dinner was boss froggin' shredded BBQ chicken sandwiches and the best potato salad I've ever had and a pizzookie for dessert.