Monday, February 3, 2014

Leaving to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ for two years in Ecuador....

 
 
A goodbye photo with the nieces and nephews the day before leaving.

It's guy time to say farewell!

See you in two years Greyson!
Group hug Tues. night after the setting apart

All You Need Is Love......

Ta da, da da, da da ......
Arrive at the airport at 4:15 am Wed. morning

A few loyal siblings made the early trek.  Bethany and Natalie both know the feeling....
 
Some last good times and happy smiles
The sadness is also there too

Checking luggage
Mom and Dad photo op
Father and son......

Is the passport there?

Heading towards security - feeling a little teary
Waiting 'til the last minute to send him on

The bros do their thing one last time

Say cheese!
Time for goodbyes
A hug to last two years.......

Watching him go through security
We keep watching and waving

One more last view - he's talking to a very tall basketball player from U NM.  (The team was returning to Albuquerque).  We give one more last wave and he's finally out of site.  Time to leave.

The brother left behind walks on ahead to process by himself - he will be going next year.

It will be three years before they see each other again. 


We go home and try to find things to keep busy.  The house feels strange and empty after the months of hurried mission preparation.  We are looking at the clock and saying "He should be in Dallas by now."  or  "He's now on the plane to Mexico City."  (Where the Spanish Missionary Training Center is.)

Finally that night there's an email!!  He has arrived!!!

Hey Family! 

We arrived safe in Mexico! The MTC here is pretty awesome (not to mention the weather!). Everything went well and my stuff made it to Mexico with me. Though some were not so lucky. I'm happy to be here and am ready to serve the Lord. We have the rest of the day to unpack and eat! I miss you guys, though its not as bad as I thought. It was awesome to finally put on the name tag! It´s still very weird and strange. Oh, my companion is an Elder Mears, cool guy!  Mexico city is incredible, different, and large! I love you all, and will write you when I can with more info´(P day and stuff.).The Lord lives!