I just got home from taking my 2nd oldest nephew to the MTC. His family lives in Ohio and the church now requests that unless you live in Utah, that families say their goodbyes in their home state. Because I live here, I was able to pick him up from the airport, have him stay at my house last night and take him there this morning. Much to my surprise, it hasn't changed at ALL since I went there as a missionary 14 years ago. It was the same signs, the same instructions, the same video, even the lobby and the map where I stood pointing to Argentina was the same.
I was unprepared to the flood of emotions it all brought back to me. My mission was such a life changing experience and essentially solidified the personality I have today. I am not saying that it wasn't full of trial or full of unexpected turns (coming home sick and being reassigned stateside being the biggest one) but it still was such a necessary part of my personal growth. There was a reason for my constant "feeling" of needing to serve a mission that I had since I was about 17 years old. I am the woman I am today (for better or worse) because I served a mission.
So, today, I am feeling sad, happy and full of nostalgia as I experienced sending my nephew off on his mission. I pray (literally) that it is a WONDERFUL experience for him.
8 comments:
Today is a missionary day for me too. We received a very encouraging letter from Michael today and I set up missionary blogs for both him and my parents. It's been a day full of missionary thoughts and feelings and I'm still at it.
What a great experience to beable to have spent time with him and to bring back so many fond memories for you. I could really feel the emotion and spirit attached to how you felt. Really wonderful that you served a mission. And for him as well. I loved the MTC when we took our son. There is such a vibrance there. I wish I would have served too.
You know those pictures at the MTC just never get old! The BYU campus does that to me. It is nice to look back on life choices and be glad of the people they made us isn't it?
i cannot believe that i used to babysit for him! boy do i feel old!
Our nephew is in the MTC right now, too. I can't believe that in only 5 more years I could be sending my own son off. Wow.
I feel the same way about my mission - I feel like everything good in my life now, is because of having that opportunity. Good luck to your nephew!
I feel the exact same way. I am who I am today (good or bad) because of my mission. It was a wonderful experience for me as well.
What a great opportunity you had to take your nephew to the MTC. Your children will always remember that!
ps. yes. you could totally see me in TVland.
I didn't realize that families didn't drop their loved ones off at the MTC anymore.
How fabulous that you were able to serve a mission! As a youth, I always thought that I would serve a mission, but alas, I married young. Maybe someday my husband and I shall serve together :)
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