The Day Has Arrived

Well, the day we have waited for for the last 3 months and I guess for the last 19 years has arrived and Taylor is now in the MTC. Now that it's here, I'm not sure I'm ready for it. But, ready or not, here it is and we are going to enjoy the ride! He will be there for the next 3 weeks and then in the DR MTC for 6 weeks.

On Monday the 21st, President Greer came over and set Taylor apart to be a missionary. It was such a wonderful evening and the Spirit was so strong. President Greer gave Taylor a beautiful blessing that I will always remember and I hope he will too.

On Tuesday morning, September 22, we kept the boys out of school and went to the airport. Emily and I were going to fly up with Taylor to Salt Lake, so it was goodbye for 2 years at the airpot for Brad and the boys.

After we landed in Salt lake, we went to the Temple grounds, ate lunch and then went to see Aunt Oleta. She is 95 now I think and we are so glad that we got to see her.

That night, we met some of Taylor's friends that are at BYU for some ice cream and some goodbyes.

Jordan (leaving for Brazil in 2 weeks), Bethany, Taylor, Trevor and Brad

The next morning we ran some errands and then went to the MTC to take some pictures. In June of this year, the MTC made a new rule that the parents don't come in for orientation any more. Instead, the missionaries are dropped off at the curb and so we wanted to be sure and get some pictures in before the big rush. We saw some groups of Elders that talked to us for a few minutes and made me feel a little better because they seemed really happy! Then we went to the Missionary Mall and got a couple more ties and a few other things.

After we ate lunch it was time to drop him off. Taylor wanted to have Taco Bell and the Sconecutter one last time! We put Brad on speakerphone and at 1:15, we drove up to the MTC and there were a TON of people there. We pulled up to the curb and there were 4 cute Elders there to greet us.They were so friendly and understanding. They got Taylor's bags, we hugged and took a couple of pictures and then he was off! I cried a lot more than I intended to. They were cute and said that all the moms do and said they would take good care of him. As we drove around the corner, all these groups of missionaries kept waving to us and yelling that they would take good care of him.

It is such a bittersweet feeling saying goodbye to your son for 2 years. I know that what he is doing is right and he is where he is supposed to be - but it is a lot harder than I expected it to be. I know he is in the Lord's hands and will be watched over, but I can't help worrying about him. I will miss him like crazy.

I have a testimony of what he is doing - of the gospel and of Jesus Christ. I know that he will be a fabulous missionary and I hope it is a wonderful experience for him. We love Taylor and are so proud of the wonderful man that he has become.