Kevin was finally all packed and ready for the best two years.
He said good-bye to Krysta at home since she had to go to work. (When she got to work, she found that her patients had cancelled a few minutes before. She could have come to the MTC with us.)
We parked across the street at the Provo Temple and took a few last pictures. Driving into the parking lot, we were immediately confronted with crying families. A younger sister and grandparents were wiping away tears. Families were hugging and taking pictures. Hard to hold it together, but we remembered that we were HAPPY that Kevin was getting this wonderful opportunity to serve, and he reminded us that even though he'd miss us, this is what he really wanted to do .
A father dropping off his daughter kindly took a picture of all of us.
Then we followed the long line of cars into the MTC and the drop off points at the curb. I could see parents in the other cars, and I wondered if my face reflected the emotions I could see on their faces. A mixture of happy and sad.
Missionaries were lined up to escort the new missionaries. This cute elder, who was Kevin's host, nicely told us how many missionaries were coming into the MTC that day--over 800! "So you want us to hurry," I joked.
I still tear up when I see the following pictures. One last hug for everyone.
And then good-bye. Into the Lord's hands for two years.
Such a wonderful/reflective/happy/emotional/contemplative good-bye. Words really can't describe it. We were a solemn bunch on the way home. We went to Kneader's to let cookies and cinnamon rolls help us feel better. I didn't want to go home immediately and deal with an empty room. A few good friends brought treats and kind words that night.
However, the overriding emotion is gratitude. We are so grateful that Kevin is on a mission and that he is enjoying his experience. We love him and have already felt blessings from his service.
You can read his letters on his missionary blog (listed on the right).
