Last Email from the MTC

Bonjour! The translation is great, just a little formal! :) (I opened his last letter with a French sentence, courtesy of Google Translate.  I'm so glad it didn't end up being something obscene)  I'm supposed to use "vous" (which means 'you') with everyone, even my companion, but the informal word is "tu" :) 

I can't believe I'm flying out in a week! I really feel like I just got here a few days ago. I'm going to genuinely miss the MTC. Tell Tanner (Lusk) to treasure his time here while he can, because he only has 8 weeks of his entire life that he gets to enjoy this atmosphere.  

So... I leave here on Monday August 5th. I leave the MTC itself at 1:30 PM. My flight leaves at 5:10PM. I should have a bit of time to call in between there. I'm super glad we bought that calling card, because if you use a credit card it cost $20 a minute! We scored haha. I've gotten all the deliveries, they're great! 

I can't think of much to send. One of the elders with me who's going to Lyon said he has a small handheld tape recorder, so he can record tapes and send them home, then his family can send tapes for him to listen to. If you can't find one or don't want to send it that's totally fine, it's just an idea. I'm sending home a box today of some stuff that my teachers said not to bring because I wouldn't get any use out of them the whole 2 years. I'm not sure if I'll have any room in my luggage (for anything extra). I got rid of some stuff just from daily use like bathroom stuff, and I'm sending stuff home, but I don't want to risk it. If needed maybe save them and if I need them (some shirts from Jason and Kara Welch) I'll let you know :) 

Everything is great with our 'investigators'. Elder Naughton and I teach as a companionship so well, and I'm going to be really sad to see him leave. He flies out to Congo at 3:30 in the morning the day we leave, which is sad. He's really become one of my best friends. I love the MTC so much, and I would be fine with staying here for much longer if I didn't have Paris just over the horizon :) The food is getting old though.

So many people getting married! I'm so happy for everyone and for Matt (Fielding, who just got his Call to Honduras)! If you see him, tell him I say congrats and that he'll be an amazing missionary! I'm so glad that Lindsey and Konner (Lindsey's nephew) are spending time with you, I love them to death! I know it means a lot to them. Konner is my little best friend, and I really miss him just like I miss my cousins :) 

That is amazing that Trace (an investigator in our Ward) was there! He's a nice kid, and I know he's had a little interest since before I left. I don't know if he'd remember me, but let him know I'm rooting for him! I know that this church will make his life better than he could ever imagine! I'm glad to hear about Brother Jones too, he's such a great man! I hope that I was able to touch his heart in some way before I left. 

Sounds like everyone is enjoying their summer a ton! That's so sad about Grandpa Park's brother :( I miss Gibby (our dog) too, thanks for the pictures!  And it looks like the car is still in good shape, as well as that beautiful lawn! I might be able to write on Saturday, we haven't heard for sure yet, but we have to do laundry that day anyways so hopefully.

Soooo...... My week!

We got our new missionaries this week, which was a big responsibility for Elder Naughton and I. It's like being handed a bunch of newborns. But they're amazing! We got 22 missionaries who are going to Tahiti, Papeete, so they'll be here for 12 weeks to learn French and Tahitian. We also got 6 missionaries going to Montreal. We got to host new missionaries, which was way cool! It was wierd seeing other missionaries saying goodbye to their families and thinking "was that really 4 weeks ago?" 

Elder Naughton's mom sent us Nerf guns, so it's been a party in our residence! I'll be honest, I've prayed nonstop this week that Elder (Ben) Anderson will be my trainer. That would be the icing on top of the cake that is my mission training. Two new Tahiti missionaries got called as the new Zone leaders, so they'll take over on Sunday. They're going to do awesome! 

I heard an awesome quote this week by Jeffrey R. Holland. He said "The MTC is such a spiritual place, you could read the phone book and feel the Spirit!" It is so true, I'm going to miss this spiritual atmosphere. But, I'm off to bigger and better things! If I don't write on Saturday, I'll send you a letter from my first area so you have my address as soon as I can. I love you all so much! There have been hard days, but I know that this church is true and I have felt the Lord strengthen me every day! I know that my Redeemer lives and that he appeared to Joseph Smith! I know that President Monson receives revelation, because that is why I'm going to Paris! I love you all so much, have a great week!

Love,

Elder Martin

 Our District by the temple on the Sunday walk (Can you tell that we're starting to go crazy after 5 weeks?)

 Elder Christiansen on top of the closet during our Nerf war.... We do things right around here haha

 Our group of Elders that just left to Montreal last week.

From E. Naughton's grandparents.... apparently missionaries start craving stuff like this just for a change of flavor in their cooking

 My itinerary! 12 hours straight through the night!

 The new Tahiti missionaries (There are so many!)

 My new toy! Gotta love Momma Naughton!

 Elder Naughton sleeping in the grass... Missionaries are ALWAYS SLEEPING!

 Two of our West Indies elders, Elder Call and Elder Lewis. They're my favorites so far.

Two Tahiti Elders with moi!

Letter and Pictures - July 22, 2013

Good morning! It has been another awesome week here, I'm loving it! I can't believe that I fly out two weeks from today! Where has the time gone?! I wouldn't worry about khaki's. If I find some over there I may get them. But I think we should save some money, because I still have to buy a coat and boots when I get there. I should be fine on stamps, I get $6 a week for stuff like that and I don't want to buy very many in case I don't use them before I leave. I haven't gotten my itinerary yet, but I'll let you know when I do. Most of them leave suuuppper early in the morning, so I probably will too. But Elder Naughton is flying the same day as me, instead of the Saturday before like we thought! I'm super excited for that, because I'm really going to miss him. He has become one of my best friends and I'll remember him for the rest of my mission. We all plan on meeting up after the mission sometime. I used $10 today on my debit card because I didn't have a scripture marking pen. But the one I got is really nice and should last my whole mission. We have scales in our Residence Hall for luggage, and I've found some things that I'll leave here for future missionaries. I will probably send a box home before I leave, so look for that probably next week sometime. It looks like I'll have tons of room and weight left over. I'm super excited for that package! 

It sounds like everyone has been having a blast! I'm so glad you're all enjoying your summer, I am too! haha. I tell people I got called to serve in the Paris, Idaho mission all the time, so that's super funny! (We spent time in Paris, ID over the weekend and sent him some fun pictures) Thanks for sending that music, and thanks for the addresses! Every day really is a great day to be a missionary! Neither of us has gotten an M&M package, but hopefully that will come today. We got the "MTC" packages though! (Packages were sent to Elder Martin and to Elder Devine in the MTC)  

So... a report on my week!

We learned a lot about loving our investigators this week. I'll be honest, we had some good and bad lessons this week, and we learned a lot from those. We had one elder from our district, Elder Hunt, hurt his knee playing soccer. They said that it was the meniscus for sure, but they had to send him in for an MRI anyways. Everyone was sure that he was going home and getting reassigned. None of us has every prayed for someone else as hard as we did this week. When he got the results, we all held our breath. By some miracle, his knee was fine and the doctor cleared him to stay and leave with the rest of the district! I definitely know that this was a huuuuge miracle. God really protects his missionaries. 

I ran into Elder Murdoch (Hayden) at breakfast on Sunday. I also ran into someone who I'm pretty sure is Kaitlyn Lusk's twin, she looked just like her! I've met so many awesome people here at the MTC, it is unreal! Friday was Elder Wright's birthday, so E. Naughton's mom sent a pinata with candy, and we had a party in their room and slept on their floor that night (I regretted this all day Saturday, the floor is like painted concrete). Saturday we had to have interviews with all the District Leaders and plan Sacrament meeting for Sunday. 

I'm loving this calling, it has really helped me a lot! It has also brought E. Naughton and I closer together. On Wednesday we're both going to host, and we get 28 new missionaries in one day! It's going to be chaotic, but I'm so excited to have them, I know they'll be great. The time here in the MTC is flying, and it's supposed to go faster out in the field. some days that is a tender mercy, but most of the time it actually fills me with a little terror. I love everyone at home, but I only have one mission like this. "You have two years to serve a mission, and the rest of your life to think about it". 

Could you send me addresses or email addresses for Colton Wetzel and Ryan Rees and Jordan Anderson? I would really appreciate that. Thanks for everything, I love you so much! I know that this work is the work of salvation, and I'm so blessed to have the honor of being a part of it! Je t'aime!

Love,

Elder Martin

P.S. I almost forgot, we met a missionary the other day who is friends with E. Christiansen. His dad is the investigator from Best 2 Years and the lawyer from the RM! He looks just like him, and he is an awesome guy. I love all of you!  Also, I fly out on August 5th instead of August 6th!
 

 Elder Squires and Elder Tago - Just left for Tahiti.  Two of the coolest Elders ever!

 My District in front of the Provo Temple

 Our new district! From left to right: E. Erickson, E. Eshiet, Myself, E. Lewis, E. Call, E. Lever, E. Fraley

Super handsome elder who realized he hadn't sent home any pictures of himself!

Letter - July 15, 2013

Bonjour!

I got the package, it was perfect :) Even better than I could have hoped! It sounds like you've all been working so hard (except maybe Tristan... What an awesome High Adventure!) I'm so glad everyone is having fun. I got the package from Sister Nielsen, it's great! Elder Devine and I have the same Meal schedule and the same Gym schedule, so I get to see him at least once every day, which is great! I don't think he realizes how much I appreciate and need the big bro hugs every time I see him. Makes the day a little easier :)

I will try to send out Thank you's, but I don't have a whole lot of stamps, so I'll do what I can. I get an hour-ish of email then as much time as I want to hand write letters. I'm so glad that the Priests had a good time, I miss them and I'm so glad that they're bonding. That solid base will really help them to prep for a mission. I'm so glad Kaden is reading those books (The Work and the Glory), they helped me to really gain a testimony of the Restoration, which is important, since I teach about that every day! Just remind him to also read the Book of Mormon and gain a testimony of that. That is the MOST important missionary tool we have!


I'm glad you got the sod and didn't get a speeding ticket :) (Umm....LONG story)  Every time I start to get homesick I just think "I sure do miss them and love them... So I better get back to work so they can receive those blessings!" That helps me through any hard times. I'm glad that my work is bringing you blessings, that is a big part of why I'm out here. I love you guys so much!

Congrats on your calling, that is awesome! (I just called called to be a Ward Missionary over Social Media)  I know that the social media aspect is going to open doors that I can't as a missionary. It will go into locked doors and gated communities and the missionary work is going to explode! I would just tell people to testify, testify, testify. You can argue doctrine to try and convert all you want, but only pure testimony will change hearts! (I have a story about that later).

Tell Cami congratulations from me if you see her, I was sorry I couldn't be there! (His good friend is getting married in two weeks)  From here on out I'm gonna try and write one immediate family member and one extended family (as in Steve's family one week, then Mark's, or whatever) including the Martin side. That should help keep it under control :) I'm excited that I get to testify to people over the blog!

Ok, here's a summary of the week-

We got a new investigator, named Laeticia. We had a brief lesson plan but didn't use any of it! We got in and then the Spirit took us a whole different direction! We taught about prayer, in French, for 30 minutes without notes. I definitely believe in the Gift of Tongues and the Direction of the Spirit! We play Floor is Lava in our Residence Hall all the time, which is great!

We got a new district with 6 elders. 4 are going to the West Indies, 1 is going to Halifax, Canada, and 1 is going to Washington D.C. French Speaking! the first day we convinced them that I was from France and didn't speak any English, which was great practice for me! I 're-introduced' myself the next day, and we all had a good laugh. They are awesome, it's nice to have another district of all elders, since we were the only ones for a while.

As zone leaders we've been to lots of trainings and meetings, but mostly we just feel so much more compassion for the missionaries in our zone. It's very powerful. So Sunday was the big day this week! On our temple walk, we ran into a woman with her family, and she served in Paris! Talk about divine timing! We talked to her for a few minutes. 

 

Between the MTC and the temple, there are two protesters with large painted crosses every Sunday when we walk. One was super friendly and asked where I was going on my mission and thanked me for being a servant of Christ. The other one, though, was super rude. It was like he just wanted to fight about doctrine. He was yelling at us that we didn't teach about Christ or believe in Him. I just looked at him and calmly said, "I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. I love Him, and I will spend every day for the rest of my life testifying of Him and His Atonement for us." That quieted him down, but as we were walking back to the MTC, he started yelling that we were all going to burn for eternity because we were blasphemers. He said that because we believed that we could become like our Father in Heaven, we were teaching the vilest blaspheme and had to repent of our sins. At this point there was no reasoning with him or testifying, he wouldn't even listen, he just kept on yelling at the missionaries. Super Christ-like, right? Oh well, I prayed for him that his heart would be softened and that a set of outstanding missionaries would be able to teach him someday.

In choir that evening we sang Nearer My God to Thee, and our director explained the significance of the lyrics in a way I had never heard before. He said that when Jacob (Israel) was chased from his home by his brother Esau, he lived in the desert and slept on a rock ("My rest a stone"). While he dreamed, he had a vision from God ("Yet in my dreams I'd be, nearer my God to thee"). In the vision, angels showed him a ladder descending from heaven they showed him each step ("Steps unto Heaven"). Brother Eggete explained that those steps were the temple endowment. Jacob received his endowment in the desert from angels. When he woke up, he built an altar and called the place Beth-el, or house of the Lord. That's why we write "The House of the Lord" on all our temples!

Anyways, just a super cool insight, but I really miss the temple. Provo is closed until after I leave, and my body and soul ache for it. Tell people at home to attend the temple as often as possible, because it's more precious than we can ever realize! I didn't realize how sacred and beautiful it was until I realized I won't go again for 23 more months.

This morning, I woke up at 230 to say goodbye to our Tahitian elders. I'm going to miss them like crazy, they have been such good examples and friends to me. I had to sign off their check out sheets since I'm zone leader, but the old ZL gave me this super nice blanket since it's so warm in Tahiti. We also got a bunch of church pictures from them. I bought cases for my french scriptures this week, so I spent $22 on my card, I may spend a few more dollars today, I have a really small package that I need to send.

I love you all, and I love this gospel! My testimony is tested and strengthened every day! I know without a shadow of a doubt that Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and friend, and that this Church has been restored by God! I KNOW that it's true!

I love and miss you all so much! Just like Elder Nelson, I hold your picture every day and cry because of how much I love you and how much that love has grown since I left. I pray for you dozens of times a day and love you so much! Have a great week, be safe, and be missionaries!

Love

Elder Martin

p.s. I didn't have any pictures this week either, so no worries :)

I almost forgot, I ran into Elder (Jarrod) Cook, he gave me a huge hug from you! Tell Dad sorry I couldn't reply to both emails, there isn't enough time, but I love him and miss him so much! Could you send me the sheet music for "Come Thou Fount"? It should be somewhere in my room, but if not could you find a copy and send it? We all want to sing it super bad but it isn't in the hymn book. I also forgot an MTC fact, so

Fact- There are secret tunnels under all the buildings in the MTC that go around the whole campus and up to the temple. but..... they're apparently off limits to missionaries. for now.... haha.

Second Letter: Guess Who's A Zone Leader

July 8, 2013

 

Salut, ma famille preferer!

Thank you so much for your letters and packages, I appreciate it so much! I got the credit and debit cards, go ahead and just use the same pin, that will be easiest for me. And don't worry, your letters don't make me homesick, they are perfect :) exactly what I need. It looks like you all had a blast, I'm so glad it was a good 4th of July :) I loved your 4th of July package! Hopefully we get to meet Sister Poznanski (Elder Martin's Mission President in France has a daughter who will be arriving at the Provo MTC, from Paris, in two weeks.  She is going to serve in the California, San Jose Mission) before we leave, that would be awesome! Sounds like your barbeque was awesome! I'm so glad that the Zimmer's are doing well, I was worried about them. I'll make sure to pray for them :) And that's amazing that Brother Jones is coming to church every week! He holds such a special place in my heart, ever since I met him I have been so impressed with his honesty and dignity. I really respect him. Have you had a chance to talk to him? I really hope that he will remain active in the church. Tell Connor good job on the baseball! I'm so proud of him! :) Also, tell Tristan and Kaden I loved their letters so much! Kaden was so happy, and I could tell that Tristan is becoming an amazing example and friend to those in the ward. They're all going to do greater things than I ever could have! I'm glad Linds has been spending time with you guys, I'm sure it really has helped her and she appreciates it. I'm sorry you got released, (I got released from the Relief Society Presidency in our Ward the previous day) that must be tough :( But, that just means the Lord has something even more important for you to do! :) Sooo.... my week!

After I emailed Monday, I got a note to go to the health clinic. Apparently, to get a Visa into Belgium, they are strict about Syphillis and Parasites. So they drew my blood...... and then I had to collect a stool sample. My companion laughed for about an hour about that one, it was a little traumatizing haha. But I'm clear! Tuesday a group of us flew out to San Francisco. We had to leave the MTC at about 2:30 in the morning. When we got to S.F. we ate breakfast and then street contacted for about an hour! It was an amazing experience, we talked with several people, placed a few pass-along cards that Church Travel gave us, and even placed a Book of Mormon with a security guard that apparently left the church but wanted to look into the church again! He said he was going to read the Book of Mormon and call his local missionaries up. It was amazing! After we went to the Consulate for our Visas, we went back to the airport, got on the plane.... and were told to deplane because there were some mechanical problems. We sat in the hot airport in S.F. for four hours! But it was ok, because we got to sit and talk with lots of people throughout the day. By the time we flew back to Salt Lake and caught the FrontRunner back home, we didn't get to our residence halls until 11ish. Long Day! When I got back we taught our third lesson in French, and our investigator, 'Christoph', commited to baptism! Of course, we later found out that he is a lifelong member, born in Provo, served a mission, the whole deal. But he was an awesome actor! His name is Brother Sybrowsky, and he is such a good teacher and sooooo good at French! I really believed that he was French. For 4th of July, we had a regular schedule most of the day, then in the evening we had a big Patriotic Fireside, watched 17 Miracles, and then watched the fireworks from outside our residence halls. It was a great day! Yesterday was Fast Sunday, and I've never felt the Spirit so strongly! We were so in tune with the Spirit through our fast, then we got to watch a video of a talk that President Bednar gave at a devotional a few years ago, called "Character of Christ". They only show it in the MTC, so I'll just briefly summarize it so I don't ruin it for the other boys :) Basically, it taught that we must develop the character of Christ, which means that, even when we are in our lowest lows and everything is going wrong, we turn outward in compassion towards others rather than inward in self pity. He used amazing scriptural examples of the Savior doing just that, administering to others in His hardest moments. He also talked about how a testimony will not keep a person active in the church and will not grant them exaltation. He said that we must have conversion, which is to consistently live what we know to be true and develop the Character of Christ. I was sooooo humbled by that, it is something that is now my goal for my mission, to become truly converted to Christ. Pres. Bednar made a prophetic promise that if we would be truly converted to Christ, we would never fall away from the truth.

       Could you send me a photo copy of my mission call? Also, could you send me one of the Gospel Art Books we have floating around? I feel like we could really benefit from that in our lessons. This week I ran into so many people! I was able to meet President Roach, a member of the MTC presidency (he touched my arm!) I ran into Breeanne Allred's older sister on the flight back from San Francisco. I met Brad Anderson's older brother outside the bathroom here at the MTC (apparently he's serving a mission with his wife) and we talked about Ben for a while. I ran into Elders Rutledge (Mason), Poulter, Love, and DEVINE! E. Devine has the same meal schedule as I do , so I see him all the time, it's great. Well, that's about it for the week, thank you so much for everything! I love you all so much!

Love,
Elder Martin

OH! I completely forgot, our Zone Leaders are flying out to Tahiti next Monday, so Elder Naughton and I have been called to serve as the new Zone Leaders. Pray for me, I'm so nervous but excited!

 The Flag from his 4th of July package.  He hung it up in their classroom.

 Studying the Book of Mormon in French

 Studying Preach My Gospel in French

 Pondering or posing?  Notice his Book of Mormon is upside-down!

Downtown San Francisco.  A pretty big city for a small-town boy.  It's not near as big as Paris, though.

First Letter and Pictures from the MTC!

We were unsure what day Elder Martin's P-Day (Preparation Day) would be!  When his email and pictures came through on Monday, July 1, 2013, we were over-the-top excited to hear from him!

Bonjour ma famille!

Opening my email account this morning and seeing all the emails has totally made my day. I love it! Thank you so much :) I've ran into Elder Love, Elder Thompson (Collin) Elder Zonts (Tony) and Elder Daniels (Christian/Skippy). The MTC is amazing! I have an awesome district and my companion is just like Casey. That alone has helped me adjust so well. I'll attach some pictures of the whole district and me and my companion, Elder Naughton. He's from Mesa, Arizona, so this Provo heat doesn't bug him, but I've been dying! I don't know if you got my letter, our Branch President asked us to send a handwritten letter as soon as we got here. Sooooo...... Updates! I sit in a little classroom for double digits every day, so that is a little rough. But, the campus is beautiful and the food is great. I have actually lost some weight, I don't really understand how haha. My comp and I have already taught two lessons.... entirely in French! I can definitely bear testimony of the gift of tongues, it is soooo powerful. I have been so humbled by the love and comfort I have felt from God the past few days. I have never prayed and studied this much in my life, and I'm finally starting to feel like a missionary. When Pres. Poston set me apart, he mentioned that I would "have the companionship of the Spirit always". Now I finally understand that. I think in D&C there's a scripture about feeling the spirit but not having it dwell with you. I finally understand that doctrine. I think my whole life I've felt the spirit in huge emotional moments and witnesses. I still feel that sometimes, but even more I feel the constant warmth and peace in my heart. Last night I just lied in bed and savored that sweet tender mercy as I felt the spirit witness to me the truth of this work and the comfort I have prayed for and so badly needed. This work is true! Just like I testify that to my investigator, Christophe, I want to testify it to you that I KNOW! Each Sunday we get to walk up by the temple, so I'll include some of those pictures as well. Over the next few weeks I'll be stretching to find stuff to talk about, because my schedule is exactly the same every week, but that's ok, every day is a new experience. Oh! Tomorrow I fly to San Francisco to get my Visa, so I'm super excited about that. I'll be with an Elder from another district who's going to Lyon, because Elder Naughton is going the the Congo on his mission so he doesn't need to go to the Consulate. I'll get to practice my first contacts and hopefully place a few copies of the Book of Mormon. Wish me luck! I love you all so much and love hearing from you, I know beyond a doubt that this is the right thing to do, and every time I get homesick I think "yeah, I sure do miss those guys. I better get to work so that they can receive those blessings!" and that always knocks me out of my homesickness. I'll keep you updated on how the San Francisco trip goes and how my week goes. I love you all soo much!

Love,

Elder Martin

P.S. MTC fact, every branch is organized by language, so our entire Sacrament Meeting is in French!

 District in the MTC:  left to right is Elder Wright, Elder Beutler, Elder Naughton, yours truly, Elder Christiansen, Elder Alfaro, Elder Hunt, and Elder Roth. Elder Alfaro, Elder Christiansen, and I are all going to Paris, the rest are going to Congo.

 Elder Martin and Elder Naughton, his MTC Companion from Mesa, AZ

 It's official...here's the name badge!

 And he thought it was hard sharing a room with his brother!  There are six Elders to a room.

 Studying hard!

First Package...4th of July

The day after we dropped Elder Martin at the MTC, Lindsey, Connor and I made a fun 4th of July package to send to him.  We had a great time shopping and decorating the box!

I'm pretty sure he scored some good "brownie points" with his Companion and District.  Hopefully they were able to stay awake during class after their sugar high! 

The Big Drop Off at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo, Utah

Elder Martin was scheduled to arrive at the MTC at 1:45 p.m.on June 26, 2013.  His only request was to eat McDonald's breakfast burritos on the way down...he is so easy to please!  So, after breakfast we headed to Provo.  The ride was full of fun conversation, laughter, and last minute advice. 

 Elder Martin's last picture before leaving home.  He never ceases to make us laugh! 

 After placing the first sticker on his count-down chart, Elder Martin filled in the name of his Mission and his name.  Man, that sure is a lot of stickers before he'll be back home!

 Trying to mentally prepare for the day ahead.  So bitter-sweet!

 Enjoying his last Pepsi!  You should have saw his face when we told him they don't serve Pepsi at the MTC...hilarious!  Sometimes "cold turkey" is the best way to quit.

 The car ride down to Utah

 Elder Martin picked P.F. Chang's for lunch.  It was so fun to watch the other missionaries eating "last meals" with their families before getting dropped off at the MTC. 

 Elder Martin in front of the Provo, Utah LDS Temple.  There is a park there and so many missionaries were saying their goodbyes to family and taking pictures.  The whole scene was surreal... and pretty darn cool!

 Brothers and best friends!

 Yep...that's more like it!

 That's my Missionary!

 Families are Forever!

 Mom and Dad Payday!  We couldn't be more proud of him!

 Elder Martin's first Mission Companion

 Elder Martin and Tristan

 Elder Martin and Kaden

 Elder Martin and Connor

 Last family picture for two years

 Go Forth With Faith, Elder Martin!

 Yes...they do look alike!

 Big hugs!  Connor really had a hard time telling his big brother goodbye.

 He did NOT want to let go

 Passing on the duties of "oldest" at home

 Tristan already is taller than Elder Martin.  It's a contest to see who gets more tall over the next two years.  Any bets on who it will be?  My money's on Tristan.

 Special bond between brothers!

 All of the brothers look up to Elder Martin so much, but Kaden is most like him

 Big Papa Bear hugs!

 Lots of tears...both happy and sad!

 Holding on for dear life!  Elder Martin gives the BEST hugs ever! 

 We both were crying pretty good at this point

 The waiting line to get through security at the MTC.  It was much shorter than we expected!  Once through security a yellow (Sister) or blue (Elder) post-it is placed on your windshield and you are assigned a numbered drop-off spot.

 This Elder was Elder Martin's Host.  He met us at the curb and officially welcomed him to the MTC.  I can't remember the Elder's name, but he is preparing to serve in the Philippines.  He was so friendly and helpful.  It sure did calm his mother's heart to send him off with this Elder!

 Unloading the luggage

 It's all getting a little "too real" at this point!

 One last "momma hug".  Can't wait for the one I'll get in two years!

 Connor had to give one last good hug! 

 So hard to let go...

 Last hug as Companions before Elder Martin received his new Companion at the MTC

 And...off he goes!

 It was overwhelming how many Sisters and Elders were entering the MTC.  A mighty army indeed!

 Once he left, there was no looking back!  He was more than ready to get to work!

One last picture just prior to him walking in to the MTC

Although it was difficult to say goodbye for two years, we all felt such peace in knowing Elder Martin was doing the Lord's errand.  He is protected and watched over at all times.  He will grow into an amazing man and change the lives of many, many people!  There is no place we would rather him be.  It's a "miserable joy", but as the days to by, the joy is far outweighing the misery.