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.
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