Today, December 3, 2008, was the day Elder Brandon Dean Moore entered the MTC. I thought he might want to go have breakfast or lunch somewhere, but he wanted his last meal to be one made by his mama. So, we started the day with a hearty breakfast. Brooklyn set the table with the "You Are Special" plate and cup and the fork and spoon with his name on it from when he was little. 
We left for Provo at 11 am after having a family prayer and pictures. He was scheduled to check in at 12:30 pm. We arrived and followed the rest of the line to drop off the luggage and then the separation began! At the front door of the MTC the missionaries are sent one way and the family the other. This is because they want to give the missionary their tag and meal card. We then joined up for pictures. The first picture we took was of me, the missionary mom, putting his missionary tag on him.
I must say it was emotional for me. This was the time, when I knew for sure, that he was a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was so proud of him. We then took more pictures. We headed for the chapel, first grabbing a handful of much needed kleenexes. We had a mini-devotional and instructions (such as: don't arrange a chance meeting with your missionary at the Provo temple, don't write with chalk to your missionary on the sidewalk outside, and the killer....they won't be calling home for Christmas because there are just too many of them here at the MTC). The entire time of the meeting I couldn't help but keep glancing at the two bright yellow signs at the front of the chapel. One side said, "Family Exit" and the other side said, "Missionary Exit". The MTC president said it is best goodbyes are said quickly, like pulling off a bandaid - the quicker the less painful it is. We each said our goodbyes, wanting one last hug, one last touch, one last glance as he disappeared into his new life. I cried many tears, but they were more of excitement for him at this wonderful new opportunity. I have always thought Brandon was a special boy and I know this mission is going to make him an even better man. I love you Brandon!
We left for Provo at 11 am after having a family prayer and pictures. He was scheduled to check in at 12:30 pm. We arrived and followed the rest of the line to drop off the luggage and then the separation began! At the front door of the MTC the missionaries are sent one way and the family the other. This is because they want to give the missionary their tag and meal card. We then joined up for pictures. The first picture we took was of me, the missionary mom, putting his missionary tag on him.
I must say it was emotional for me. This was the time, when I knew for sure, that he was a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I was so proud of him. We then took more pictures. We headed for the chapel, first grabbing a handful of much needed kleenexes. We had a mini-devotional and instructions (such as: don't arrange a chance meeting with your missionary at the Provo temple, don't write with chalk to your missionary on the sidewalk outside, and the killer....they won't be calling home for Christmas because there are just too many of them here at the MTC). The entire time of the meeting I couldn't help but keep glancing at the two bright yellow signs at the front of the chapel. One side said, "Family Exit" and the other side said, "Missionary Exit". The MTC president said it is best goodbyes are said quickly, like pulling off a bandaid - the quicker the less painful it is. We each said our goodbyes, wanting one last hug, one last touch, one last glance as he disappeared into his new life. I cried many tears, but they were more of excitement for him at this wonderful new opportunity. I have always thought Brandon was a special boy and I know this mission is going to make him an even better man. I love you Brandon!
And so do all your friends!
1 comment:
OH, he is so cute! We just love Brandon!! He is going to be such a great missionary.
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