And so it begins. Elder Shawn Allen Kerr II entered the MTC on February 1, 2012 to begin his journey of service to the Lord. It was a beautiful sunny day. We weren't sure what to expect in the way of how many other missionaries and families would be arriving at our designated 12:55 arrival time. All we knew was that those missionaries with last names beginning h-p would arrive at this time. We had heard there was a parking lot across from the MTC that you could use to park to say a longer goodbye but once you entered the gates there wouldn't be time for any other goodbyes. As we approached the MTC we discovered that there were quite a few missionaries with the last names h-p as the parking lot across the street was full. We parked on the street and got out for a few more rounds of hugs and last minute words of encouragement. Then we got back in and entered the gates to the MTC.
They would only allow one vehicle per missionary family. So Megan and Jared had said their goodbyes at home. We had heard they wouldn't even let the parents out of the car only the missionary. But we were happily surprised to find that wasn't true instead we were greeted with a sea of dark suits, white teeth and smiles lining all up and down the sidewalk in in front of the MTC and around the building. We were directed to a particular side and spot to park. In addition to their Elder name tags, they wore a white tag that said "host". One of the host missionaries opened the door for me to get out and two other host missionaries came and struck up a conversation. They all were eyeballing the goodie bag that Elder Kerr's aunt Crystal had sent with him and all agreed he would be enjoying that that very night.
I was wishing I had taken a picture as we first pulled in of the sea of dark suits, white teeth and smiles but my mind was otherwise engaged. It was much harder to say goodbye than I thought it would be and Megan and I had a good cry later that day but we know he's where he's supposed to be.
Missionary Mom:)
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