We arrived in Utah one day early to gather up a few remaining items on Elder Andersen's list, it was interesting all the extra attention he received.
Everywhere we went people would ask him if he was getting ready to enter the MTC. -fun-
After errands were done-Elder Andersen requested that we eat dinner at Tucanos, Brazilian Churasco.
They assumed he might be preparing to leave on his Mission, and when that was confirmed they sang to him and give him a free dessert.
On the morning he was to report, we met Grandpa Blain for Breakfast- At the Village Inn, they too were excited for him and he recieved a free Breakfast as well. Elder Andersen loved all the attention, and it was really sweet how it made him just beam.
After Breakfast it was time to report to the MTC- it went as follows.
- Picture in front of the MTC sign- Its a tradition.
- Just thought it was so cool seeing all the young Elders and Sisters- How often do you get to see large groups of well dressed and happy young people. {1500 to 2000 missionaries are training there at any given time- they serve 2.6 million meals there each year- and we found out it takes a 300 cow dairy to keep up with the daily consumption of dairy products.- Crazy!
- The view from one of the dorms.
- Elder Andersen and Grandpa Blain.
- They teach 52 different languages there. {Everywhere we walked we heard and saw the Elders practicing their new language and studying together.}
- Every detail of the day were so very well orchestrated.
- From the door that we entered to the little red dot. [the red dot is for the new Missionaries, so the workers know they are new and can help them if needed.}
Dan had the honor to put Elder Andersen's first missionary badge on.
{Three generations of missionaries} Dan served in Argentina Rosario, my Dad served in the Eastern States, and now Mason in The Billings Montana mission.
Having done this three other times with Sam, Kent and Denver- doesn't make it any easier. We are so excited for Mason and for the great journey he is about to embark on. We are excited for the life long friendships he will make, for skills he will develop, for the service he will give. He leaves a young man, and will return home refined and polished.
The two years of service he will give is in a way a tithe of the nearly 20 years he has been blessed.
{Each Missionary is responsible for all their own financial expenses while serving. The church will provide a plane ticket home at the end of their mission.}
So for the next two years, Elder Andersen will serve the Lord- We will not see him until that time is done. But our prayers and letters/ emails- will be our life line to him.
Joy feels our heart.... Until we meet again-
