First Letter!

We got Timothy's first letter today, and he is doing great. Three days in the MTC, and he was loving the Spirit, his companion, the other missionaries on the floor and the leadership of the MTC. He said he is with lots of polynesian boys and thinks that is cool. He said he was pretty comforable with the first discussion, getting to know people and letting them know that they care about them.

I always worry about my boys in the MTC because I had such a rough time there. Johnathan had some rough spots, but pulled out of it soon. Timothy hasn't been bothered by a thing apparently. I shouldn't be surprised that they would have an easier time in the MTC than I did. All my struggles were related to the issues I carried around with me. My boys haven't had to deal with those same issues...Thank goodness.

The Drop off

TUESDAY...Our trip to Utah was very long and boring. The wind was blowing badly which made driving a challenge, and I was happy to let Tom drive as much as possible. One of our family traditions is to do a temple session the day before the missionary leaves. We attended a session in the Salt Lake Temple that evening.

Tim, Tom and Ann

Tim, Carol, Ann, Angie and Tom

Steve, Carol, Tim, Tom, Ann and Nancy

One of the talks during General Conference really touched my heart. It was about turning to the Lord in our trials and how it can affect future generations. Seeing these three men together in the temple made me feel so good. My dad, Tom and Tim...three generations of good and righteous men.

WEDNESDAY...We stayed with our friends, the Grubers, while we were in Utah. Their son Gordon loves Tim so we thought we'd better let them have some time together before Tim left for the next two years. Here we are at Emmett and Ethel's in Lehi having ice cream on the way to the MTC.

We stopped in a corner of the Marriott Center parking lot to take photos and say goodbye to the Grubers.

Hannah, Tim, James, Tom and Ann

Tim and Gordon

From there we drove to the MTC. We were directed to a curb where they had 25 numbered signs, each one car length apart. Elders were standing on the curb to be hosts to the new missionaries. We unloaded Tim's luggage, hugged and said goodbye. The elders took Tim into the MTC and we drove away. I liked doing it this way much more. The old way was drawn out. Short goodbyes are much nicer...like pulling off a bandaid...quicker is better and less painful. I still got teary, though.

Another family tradition is to eat at the Brick Oven after dropping a missionary off. So we met the Grubers at the Brick Oven and had lunch.

Now I'm wondering...why does the quietest person in the family leave the biggest hole?

I can't wait for my first missionary mail! Or for Mother's Day!