The MTC Experience, September 14, 2016

Wednesday morning Brooklyn got up early, got ready and finished packing. We had to trade out a medium size suitcase the night before for a larger one. She couldn't fit everything she needed in the smaller one! She ended up taking 2 large suitcases instead of 1 large and 1 medium. We went to the Black Bear Diner in Jordan Landing for a late breakfast with Candice, Val and their foster baby, Daniel.

After breakfast we drove to Provo. Marci was able to take a break from work and meet us there. We planned to be there early enough to take some pictures at the Temple together. I couldn't believe how many missionaries and families were walking around doing the same thing. Many tears are shed on MTC days!

So many tears were shed, I think I went through a whole box of tissues!!! I can't even explain the pain and peace you feel dropping off a missionary! As a mom, it's truly a joyful experience and one you are so happy to be able to have. You know there is no other place you'd rather them be. But at the exact same time it rips your heart in half as you know you won't be seeing this child for 18 months. Maybe part of it is because Brooklyn is our youngest child of five, the only one to serve a mission and a girl? I'm going to miss all the girly stuff we normally do together. We've been lucky to be very close since there is a four year gap between her and the next child. She's had all of our attention for the last four years as an "only child" at home.

We got a short e-mail from her that evening saying that her P-day would be on Thursdays, so she won't be getting one this week (tomorrow). SAY WHAAAAT? We have to wait till the following week to hear something from this girl! Just rip my heart out and stomp on it at the same time, why don't ya! (Practicing my Minnesota talk)