November 16, 2011

Go!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011:
Today's the day!  Since we were staying close to the Bountiful temple, we took the opportunity to attend in the morning before taking Michael down to Provo and the MTC (Missionary Training Center):


Then it was off to Provo, grab some last-minute things at WalMart, and on to the MTC.  Traffic getting in was non-existent (I had visions of standing in a long line of cars, slowly creeping onto the MTC grounds), and we were directed almost all the way to end of the curbside drop-off line.  Once we pulled into our spot, a host missionary met us and helped us unload (all of the two suitcases and a garment bag)-turns out the missionary is from Las Vegas (cool)!  We had our last round of hugs, advice and pictures, then he turned and together with the other missionary and his suitcases he walked off and disappeared behind groups of other missionaries and their families arriving  . . .


A sad moment?  Maybe not so much sad as it is a proud moment for Mom and Dad knowing that their son has made good decisions in his life that have brought him to this point-dedicating the next two years of his life to serving the Lord as a full-time missionary.  We look forward to seeing what this new phase of his life has in store for him and what kind of growth (in all aspects of his life) he will experience during this time.

Set . . .

Tuesday, November 8, 2011:
Made it to Salt Lake City without a hitch.  We had to stop by Mr. Mac to exchange some of Michael's white shirts (the regular cut fit him like a tent - definitely needed the fitted shirts).  Had lunch at the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in downtown SLC (great view of the Salt Lake temple).  Then on to our motel where we promptly took naps (I guess that altitude there took it out of us).  In the evening we got together with some old friends from church (Cedar Park Ward) for dinner - the Nords, the Blacks, and Wiscombes (Karen and Paul).  It sure was nice to see them again, especially since this time we were able to see all three families at the same time . . .

Ready . . .

Monday, November 7, 2011:
This evening, Michael was officially set apart as a missionary by President Hollingsworth.  Besides he himself giving counsel to Michael, he asked each one of us what advice we had for Michael (Sutton's morsels of wisdom:  "Eat and sleep enough, and talk to people" . . . ).  It was a very spiritual meeting, and it was neat to have the whole family there.  Then it was time to do last minute packing since we (Alicia, Michael and I) were leaving for airport early the following morning (actually, for me it was packing, period.  Had not done any beforehand - dang that procrastination . . .).

May I have the envelope, please . . .

The long-awaited envelope arrived on August 19, 2011 . . .













At the time Michael was at work (Walmart), so we had to wait until he got back that evening - can you believe that he made us suffer all that time (I think all of us were on pins and needles).  Some people had a harder time waiting for him than others (sisters - what can you say . . .). He finally made it home, and decided he needed to change out of his work clothes (prolonging our agony even further).  After finally reappearing from his room, he read through all the guesses from everyone who was there on where they thought he might end up going.  Then, the big moment - the flash of the silver letter opener as it ripped, with a deft movement, through the top of the envelope, disemboweling it and releasing the letter within (sorry for the dramatics).  "Dear Elder Kredt,  you are hereby called . . . to labor in the Nevada Las Vegas West Mission!"  Woohoo!  Viva Las Vegas!