And so it begins.......

Chase's big day arrived today.  He was due at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) today at 1pm. 

The drive from Gilbert yesterday took about 11 hours total.  He traveled with his mom, dad, sisters and niece in the old Ford truck and even drove for several hours just to keep himself mentally occupied.  It was a nice chance to reminisce about growing up together and all of the great memories he will hold until he returns in a couple of years.  It was evident that the emotion of saying goodbye and the anxiety of waiting has worn on him.

The largest adjustment today that we saw was going to be getting used to single digit temperatures.  In fact as we crested the mountain pass between Panguitch and Beaver the temperature gauge hit 2 degrees.  He will surely miss AZ for that reason alone over the next few months.

Mid day today the entire family traveled to Provo, stopped by Taco Amigo on the way per his choice for a final meal and took a few pictures at the Provo Temple.  It was a very emotional time.  He kept expressing over and over that he just wanted to get to the MTC and get started.  He really was ready and will be a good missionary.  We finally gave in and took him through the gate 10 minutes early.  We wanted to keep him longer.

As we pulled into the drive through at the MTC we were directed curbside and were received by many missionaries waiting to help unload and assist the new arrivals.  We gave our last hugs, shed many tears and watched him walk away with bags in tow.  The vision of him walking away will not soon leave our mental image album.  What a bitter sweet event given that we couldn't ask for a better experience and choice by Chase yet.....an empty place will remain in our hearts until he returns.

Our final thought........One of the most telling signs of his readiness to go today was shown when he put on his backpack, grabbed his large roller equipped suitcase and walked up the sidewalk to the MTC doors.......not once did he look back.  I believe that will be his mindset for his mission.

God Bless