Getting ready to go ... it was hard to walk out the door.
This picture is much better after editing out Mom and Dad. Sad but still smiling.
Sister Hall arrives at the MTC.
Natalie went into the Provo Missionary Training Center today around 1:00 p.m. She was suppose to fly out Tues. for Brazil but visas are backed up so instead we took her to the Provo MTC. When her visa comes through she will head south. Randy and I took her and dropped her off on the curb according to new policy. I thought it might be a little too abrupt (as opposed to the entire family coming and watching the video presentation and then giving our last goodbyes) but actually it was quite nice. There are about 25 drop off stations set up along the curbside in front of and around the south end of the MTC. Each station had four smiling, enthusiastic and genuinely friendly elders-in-training anxious to help unload luggage and welcome their new missionary comrads. (They told us a different group is assigned every Wed.) Where we let Natalie off about 20 or so sister missionaries also were giving friendly greetings to the new arrivals. There was a very pleasant and energetic older woman who seemed be supervising. She was upbeat and reassuring and wore, of all things, a cowboy hat along with her MTC Sunday dress attire. It was quite awesome. By the time we had been greeted by these friendly and happy people we were all feeling a little better. ( As we were arriving at the entrance of the MTC I had almost insisted that Randy take another turn around the block and I think Natalie would have been just fine with that!) The Elders grabbed Natalie's luggage, introduced themselves to her, told her that the sister missionaries in the MTC were amazing and that they were glad she was there. (Two of the Elders were going to Russia and the other to Chicago.) Natalie perked up and gave a friendly response. She hugged us both and headed off to join the group of sisters gathered by the door. The last we saw of her she had run into someone she knew (probably from school) and was getting a big welcome hug. I think both Randy and I felt much better seeing that she wasn't wandering in alone. We got in the car a left. It's hard knowing we won't see her for 18 months but I was reminded again of the great spirit that one can feel at the MTC. There's not a better place to leave your son or daughter. I already miss her terribly but I feel peace and know that she is going to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I love you Nat. You are going to make an awesome missionary.
