To this... in a blink of an eye.
We couldn't be prouder of him! He has been so anxious to get into the mission field and start serving his Heavenly Father.
His brother and sisters are going to miss him like crazy! He had all of us sit down for his "GAP" (give away party) where he handed over his room to Brooke, his cell phone to Carli, and his Ipod to Cody. He also handed down his beloved cowboy boots to Lonney (which is 3 sizes to big for him) and his Ipod docker/player to me. We told them that is was just a loan, cuz he will get it all back in 2 years when he is done with his mission.
We drove up to the MTC where there were 4 missionaries waiting at each drop off spot to help unload the new missionary and help get their luggage to their dorm rooms. They were really sweet welcoming us to the MTC and helping Justin. They wouldn't let us take pictures of him there, so we had to do our pictures at the Provo Temple. It all happened very fast, we pulled up, got out to unload Justin's luggage, gave a quick goodbye hug and kiss, and they whisked him away. As I was getting back into the car with tear filled eyes (I was trying desperately to hold the dam back) the other missionaries waiting for the next car load said goodbye to us. One missionary said, "Thanks for letting him serve!" That did it! The dam no longer could be contained and I sobbed for quite awhile. Lonney hurry and grabbed the camera and took this shot as he was walking away with his escort missionary. His back is to us of course, but you can see him right in between the tree and pole with his backpack on. His left foot is raised to where you can see the bottom of his sole.
We are going to miss him very much, but know that he is where he needs to be in this next step of his life. It will be hard not to see him for 2 years, and it will be 2 months before I can hear his voice again when he is at the airport flying out. However, we will get letters from him once a week. I know he is in the Lords hands and in that I am deeply comforted.
*tears*
ReplyDeleteThey don't do the whole drawn out program anymore, just drop them off at the curb? I guess that may be easier. Your pic's at the temple are cute :) This will probably sound funny but I so hope that I am in your shoes in 11 years with Ryan. I can only hope and pray that Ryan makes the same decisions as your Justin has :)
ReplyDeleteOh my...I remember that day like it was yesterday with David. That was one hard day. We are all so very proud of him though! He will be one incredible missionary and do many great things. He will be in our prayers for the next two years as well as your families. Love you all!
ReplyDeleteI meant your family will be in our prayers as well. :)
ReplyDeleteAww.... I was thinking about you guys yesterday. It's so bittersweet. I have to admit, the pictures of Toddler Justin and Elder Robbins *almost* had me in tears. I can't imagine sending my son away like that. From experience I will say that it's MUCH easier to be the missionary in this scenario. Try not to worry about Justin too much, he's in very capable hands. We'll keep Justin in our prayers!
ReplyDeleteThe pics at the temple are beautiful. Hang in there...he'll be home before you know it. :)
ReplyDeleteYou must be so proud of him. I can't imagine sending Gavin off on a mission, but I know that day will come before I know it. What a blessing it must be, knowing Justin will be serving the Lord and touching the lives of so many in the Philippines. Your post was so touching. I can't wait to hear updates.
ReplyDelete~Mandy
i am sure you have heard of dearelder.com, but if not, its pretty cool because you can send letters to the mtc for free and they get hand delivered the same day. sorry we couldn't make it to his farewell, blake had to teach that sunday. good luck!
ReplyDelete