The Journey Begins

Yesterday we dropped Grayson off at the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah.  He will be there for two weeks before he goes to West Virginia.  It was basically a drop and go.  There were quick hugs and tears that we managed to keep mostly hidden behind sunglasses.  It is one of the hardest we have had to do...saying goodbye for two years.  Before we went to the MTC we had one last lunch together.  Grandma and Grandpa Burbidge and Ya-Ya came with us.  It was a great lunch, with surprisingly few tears!

Stay tuned, the next post should be from Grayson...his first letter home!

Hugging Dad goodbye

Leaving with his Host to start his new adventure

Last pics with Grandma and Grandpa Burbidge

Last Pic with Ya-Ya

The Pre-Adventure Party

Yesterday was the beginning of the journey.  Grayson gave his farewell talk in church.  A party was held afterward for those who wanted to wish him well.  It was awesome and sad at the same time...sad because we won't see his great smile or hear his great laugh (in person) for the next two years. We will only see him twice a year (Christmas and Mother's Day) if there is a Skype connection available.  Otherwise we will be talking to him on the phone.  However, this is totally awesome because Grayson is going to be doing what he has wanted to do since he was a little boy.  Namely, serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He will be teaching people about our Savior and his plan for us.  We are so excited for him and the adventures, both spiritual and temporal, that he will have over the next two years!

We will miss you, but we love you and are super proud of you!

Love,

Mom and Dad