The Departure

So today was the day we said goodbye to Mark as he left for his mission in Taichung Taiwan. We had quite the week leading up to the send off.

Just before the farewell talk

The farewell was on Sunday. Mark and his good friend Davis Crabb both spoke. They also played "Be Still My Soul" as a violin duet. The talks were both excellent. We felt like we should have been taking notes.

We had over 50 people at our house afterwards for pulled pork sandwiches, salads and a bazillion kinds of desserts. Thanks to all who donated food, chairs and support.

We were glad to have lots of Lindseys, Sorensons, Deardens, Warrens, Whitefields and Hancocks here just to name a few.

We were able to go with the Crabbs to an early morning session at the Salt Lake temple Tuesday morning. Thanks to the Lindseys for getting the other kids out the door for school while we were gone. It was nice to get the two missionaries together to see that someone else is going through the same thing. It was nice to get the parents together for the same reason.

Mark with grandparents

Mark was set apart by our new stake president, President Lyman last night. It was a very nice blessing and very spiritual. There were some very nice and specific promises given.

Mark and Lauren

Mark, Ryan and Joe

Mark said he was a little bit stressed out last night, but after a good night's sleep, he was good to go.

We took Mark to Panda Express for lunch. He said it was his last chance to have fake Chinese food for a while.

On the way to the MTC

Vaughn in action

The drop-off went well. Since there are so many missionaries going in to the MTC, there isn't time to say goodbye there, so we went up by the temple. We no sooner had gotten out of the car than Joe had to go to the bathroom. That broke up the tension a bit.

Vaughn Christensen was working security at the MTC. He was in the guard house so we just said hi as we went past.

Mark with his host missionary

There were lots of host missionaries there to help the new missionaries get to where they needed to go. They all looked so happy it was fun to see the excitement and made the drop off seem easier.

On the way down from the temple to the MTC, I asked Mark how he felt. He said, "Great!" He was really excited to get going.

We all held it together pretty well.

Mark, Mom and Dad at the drop-off

再見 Mark

A lady in our ward left a bag of chocolates and a pouch of Kleenex on our porch for Marsha.

We have started a missionary blog for Mark. We will post mission news, photos and letters at that site.

The adventure begins.