September 20th, 2010

Arriving At The Provo MTC

Yesterday I did something I may never get the chance to do again. I made a drop off at the MTC. If by chance I get to do it again someday I’ll remember that it’s harder than it looks. I felt like I was like leaving my parents in a college dormitory. Years ago I might have gotten a kick out of the role reversal but yesterday it felt a bit harsh. I left them in the middle of white cinder block walls, a bed against the wall with a lonely lamp on the bedside table and a few drawers to put their belongings in. On the table there was a note apologizing for only leaving one set of towels. They were running short and would hopefully get more tomorrow. My parents smiled at each other. Matt poked fun while my Dad handed my mom the bigger of the two and obligingly took the hand towel for the evening. Only one of the keys to their room worked and the only welcome gift was a small bucket of cleaning supplies left under the sink. Mission life is not the high life and bless them for being willing to do it again.

They are both there for their 3rd time. A third mission for each of them. This time together to Guatemala where they will be working in the Temple, teaching in the MTC, and serving in any other way they can.

It’s never a good time to say good-bye to your parents for a couple years. And I know it’s just as hard for them to walk away again from their lives, their home, their family and their grandies who will miss them the most. But as hard as it is I’m so glad they went. I’m proud of them and thankful for their example to be the ones who are willing to go and not just the ones who are willing to talk about going. They are doers and they are very good at doing. So we will let them go and do because they will bless many through their dedication and service, including the ones they left behind at home. We won’t be going with them but our prayers will follow on their coat tails. We miss you already Mom and Dad.