A Farewell to Sister Thomas

It was early in the morning of June 30th when Dan, Tessha, Grace and I got in the car once again and headed to Provo. This was going to be our last day with Grace for 18 months. She was entering the Missionary Training Center for two weeks before flying out to Tampa, Florida. Oh, how we were going to miss her. We could only take comfort in the excitment we felt for her.

We stopped in Orem and picked up a few things she still needed, found a post office and went on to Laura and Mark's place. We had prepared lunch for all of us before they would go with us to the MTC.

Kristi, Haini and their family joined us and Grace opened a few parting gifts. Then we all left for the MTC.

Things have changed since we took Seth there. No longer do we enter the building, take a seat in the large room, listen to how much cereal the missionaries at the MTC consume, nor do we watch the Call To Serve film.

Now we simply drop them off and wave goodbye from our cars. At least that's what they told us we'd do. So, we went to the upper parking lot, parked, got out and took pictures.

We could have walked to the MTC and taken pictures there but Gracie was quite ready to go so we just took a few pictures in the parking lot then got back in the car. We drove down into the MTC drive and followed the kind elderly men waving us this way and that. Before long we saw the bordering sidewalks lined with missionaries, young ones, older ones and lots of couples waving and waiting the help the new, incoming missionaries. I wished I hadn't been driving for I would have loved taking pictures of it all. It was like being welcomed to heaven by angels who were excited for us to be there. I really envyed Gracied right then.

We found our place along the walk and parked the car. She was out and getting her luggage from the truck about as quick as I've ever seen. Sweet elders were right there beside her lifting her bags and asking where she was going on her mission. A quick hug and she was gone. All so fast and sure.

We left the area feeling a little too light in the car. Gracie was gone, but it was all very good. You could spend a lot of time wondering about those mixed feeling during other monumental times in our lives like being born and dying. Good times but sad times, too. Good thing we knew we'd be seeing her again before too long.

Later that afternoon, Dad, Tessha and I went to see a show to kill some time before dropping in for the night at the Sugies. I think we saw "Eclipse" the new Twilight movie. When we came out it was raining lightly and we were glad to have it cool down a bit.

We spent the night with Kristi and Haini's family and early the next morning Tessha drove Dan and I to the Salt Lake Airport. We were on our way to another wonderful summer adventure ~ A trip to Daniel and Dalynn's house and baby Maren's blessing!!!.