The MTC!

Well, the very much anticipated/dreaded day has arrived! It is Wednesday April 9, 2008. Jordan is supposed to be at the MTC in Provo, Utah at 12:30. We got up and made sure everything was packed and ready. About 10:20 am Harvey gave Jordan a Father's Blessing. Of course it was very nice. Harvey always does a wonderful job when he gives blessings. We met Jeff at Mimi's Cafe by South Town Mall for breakfast. It was nice, mostly just nice to spend that time together. With breakfast done, we drove to Provo, to the MTC. They had us drop off luggage by curb, Harv went to park the car. Jordan & Jeff carried his luggage to designated area. I followed trying to take pictures. After that we met Harv and walked to the front to go inside. There is a door for missionaries and one for family & friends. After going in, we could see Jordan getting his name tag and address card. As he was coming out of that area, a sister informed him that she is the wife of his Branch President. That was nice. We took a few pictures then headed down the hall to the "room". When we got there they were playing clips from commercials, etc. After watching for a bit Jordan turned to his Dad and asked, "Why are they showing all this stuff about families when we are leaving them for 2 years?" Good question! They had shots of the stats on how much food, how many missionaries etc. Then they had a little program with opening song, "Called to Serve", invocation by new Elder from Africa, some scheduled activities for the day by Counselor to MTC President, then wife of MTC President spoke with more advise, etc, then the MTC President spoke, he gave good advise, video "Called to Serve", benediction by new Sister from Oregon, then "the doors". Until you have been through this, you don't really understand. We hugged and cried goodbye. Jordan went through the missionary exit and we sat and cried for awhile, all of us. Then we left and drove home, with tears. Makes for a sad day. It is so hard to be filled with such conflicting emotions. So glad he is doing what he is doing, and excited to do so, and very sad feelings of him leaving. Just praying that he adjusts well and learns the language and enjoys the people he is around.