"How. Did it. Go?. Send. Out. A boy, get. Back. A. Man"
Well, I cried. Again. I didn't think it would be hard. Really, I have known for a long time that he's ready to serve the Lord for two years. I've known most of his life that he was born to do just that. But, today was hard.
All packed up!
The gang all loaded up to drive to the MTC!
Caitlin has her notes to study for a final exam she had to take right after we dropped him off.
In front of the MTC (Did you know they took down the sign that says Missionary Training Center?)
They had us drive into the MTC and turn left. All along the curb there are number signs for each car to park. We were lucky number 13 on the 13th of June.
Huggin my boy!
Jayce will be so big when he gets back...
These two are very close.
This is one of the things I will miss the most.
Hug for Sister!
One last hug...
And he walks away...
For two years....
This is how we all felt as we drove away.
Cody said, "Well... he's gone."
We are really, really happy he is a missionary. We will just miss him. Even though he's been away at college for the past year, I could always text or call him and find out how he is. It's been about 24 hours since we dropped him off and I find myself wondering what he's doing right now...and right now...and right now. I know that will get better.
I know he will be watched over and protected.
I know he will be an instrument in the Lord's hands.
And, my dad was right-
He is leaving a boy, and he will come back a man.
I'm glad they let you all get out of the car and have some time for hugs. You will look forward to every p-day when they can email. The time goes slow at first, but then it seems to go a bit faster and before you know it, he will be home. Enjoy being the parents of a missionary. :D
ReplyDeleteWell I'm sitting here in tears! My emotions are pretty high right now with Alex's return this coming Tuesday. I have a lot of mixed emotions - so happy to see my boy again but sad that he is our last missionary. Believe it or not the time will go much faster once he's out of the MTC and you get those regular emails. You will LOVE Mondays! I LOVED your pictures!! What a wonderful experience this will be for your entire family. You need to join the Missionary Mom's group for your area. Go to: http://www.ldsmissionarymoms.com/ and sign up. The other Mom's will be a great support and it's fun to connect with other Mom's who have missionaries serving in the same area as your own. I've loved each of the groups I've belonged to. We are so happy for your family :) I'm sending your chart out today. Sorry I didn't do it the minute I got home. It's been a little crazy around here.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa! I'm so happy you're getting Alex back THIS week! So exciting! I'll keep you posted on how Derek does and if I can figure out how to be a missionary mom :).
DeleteI feel for you! Our boy has been out for 11 months. He is already a man. His emails and Skype calls (Christmas and Mother's Day) have proven that. It's amazing how transformed they become when they are doing something unselfish for the Lord. You will receive so many blessings! I am crying now, looking at your photos. We said our goodbyes at the Seattle airport. So bittersweet! And so very worth it, of course! Hang in there! Good job, Mom!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Theresa! It's been fun to follow your family on facebook. I'm so glad we've stayed in touch. I can't believe your son has been our for a whole year! I kind of expect the children I knew on Bainbridge Island to look exactly the same as I remember them. But, they grow, as do mine! I'm looking forward to the journey of being a missionary mom!
DeleteYou made me cry!!! Like that's hard. haha. Grandpa is right.
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