Yesterday the boys and I drove down to Provo to help drop off my youngest brother, Alex, at the MTC (missionary training center). I guess I should call him Elder Vance now that he is a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will be learning Spanish in the MTC for the next eight weeks and then head off to Panama City where he will spend his next two years. Two whole years. We will miss him like crazy but I know that he will learn and grow so much from this experience that I can't be too sad. Mostly I am just so proud of him and so glad that he is my brother.
My mom asked for some last-minute shots before he went in so I took these while he tried our older brother's missionary tag on for size. Too bad Aria was away at a family reunion. She would have done a MUCH better job.
The whole day I was impressed by how cheerful, pleasant and handsome he was but mostly I couldn't help being amazed at how old he is already. As I took his pictures, I couldn't help but see him as a little boy in my minds eye. The dark, curly-haired sweetheart that I spent my teenage years practicing mothering. Now he is grown and is off to share his wonderful self with the people in Panama.
This is the picture of Alex on his baptism day that I kept in a frame for most of my whole college experience. Wasn't he a cutie-pie?
Dropping him off was short but sweet. When we drove up to the curb (where they have so say your quick goodbye these days) the missionary host waiting to whisk him away just happened to be our very own cousin David (who entered the MTC several months ago and will be serving in Kathleen's old mission in Florida)! This wasn't even remotely planned but was especially sweet since they are good friends. Heavenly Father knows how to bless his children!
Elder Vance and Elder Osborn
L: Kathleen is now teaching missionaries at the MTC and was able to leave her class for a minute to say goodbye with us. R: Charlie getting one last hug.
I am so glad that our boys get to have a missionary to write for the next two years. What a great example my brother is for them.
Me saying goodbye.
Slingle getting her hug in.
Tony and Alex hugging. I am so sad that I screwed up the exposure on this one! Photography is tricky business!
Off he goes!
2 comments:
Precious! Thanks for making me cry! :) The Abilez family loves Elder Vance!
Okay, that picture of Alex when he is a little is exactly how I remember him! How in the world is he old enough to go on a mission? What a great missionary he will be!
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