Home MTC is such a great way to ease into all of this! We made sure we had a web camera ready to go, and the speakers were good to go, and I had easy food and snacks at the ready... What else do I do???
Adren was up bright and early and dressed and logged on first thing. We set him up in the family room, not ideal, but it's what we got! It actually was really pretty great to overhear everything all day. Really, really great. I was working at the table and Jon was making himself breakfast as Adren was meeting his district. Jon scurried upstairs with his toast and the teacher asked, "Was that your Dad?" Ha-ha! On his first break I turned the desk. Ha-ha!
Zeke was walking around with Adren's jacket and looked so cute.
Beautiful remnants of the farewell. Dear friend Diana brought me her gorgeous peonies.
It was such a treat to see Adren walking around with his tie and missionary badge.
I love it!
He was assigned to call a friend or talk to a family member and share a message and scripture with them. I figured he'd find me in the other room and share. Instead I heard him calling his good friend, Will who is not active in the church at all. He shared the sweetest message with him about how much he is loved by his Savior. He then asked him to read a scripture and commit to praying. "Will you read this scripture again later tonight, Will?" I thought it was so sweet!
At the end of the day Adren would change into comfies and we'd talk about his fun district who he fell in love with immediately and swore they were the best district since the beginning of time. I loved discussing the gospel with him in the evenings. He was learning everything with a new heart. One night he requested we all just watch "Kung Fu Panda" because his brain needed a rest. (Side note: I cannot listen to
Oogway Ascends by Hans Zimmer without crying. It is so beautiful and I will admit I have spent some time driving around blasting it lately whilst having a good cry.)
He's so cute!
Paisley and I went up to Cash's for Alivia's shower one evening. It was good to see everyone again and report that all was well with home MTC.
This whole week was great. Adren and I went out on a few errands to grab some last minute items. After the anxiety of the farewell buildup was over, it was nice to be at this place. But soon enough the anxiety of the
big good-bye started tapping me. The day before the MTC drop-off I pulled out his suitcases and started gathering everything we had been collecting. I wanted him to pack so he'd know where everything was, but he was out touring his final good-byes so I ended packing most of it! I tucked a letter into his winter coat and snacks and treats wherever I could. He really only needed one huge case and one smaller. He may wish he brought more suitcases, but I think he'll be fine. Ahhhhhh!!! My emotions are right at the surface. I even cry as I grocery shop when I consider not buying things he loves... because he won't be here.
MTC drop-off day was also too much time. Adren got all packed up and we waited around so that we could meet up with Grandma and Grandpa Geertsen and Taylor for lunch. So much anxious waiting!
What a handsome and well-loved missionary!
We chose Costa Vida because it was close and on the way. There was another missionary there with family as well. Ahhh, looking back I was all emotions and trying to keep chipper. I've actually thought about this his whole life, wondering how the big good-by would be, and here we are!
It was a tender good-bye to the Grandparents, then before we all piled in the family van, we had one last family huddle and selfie. My heart!
I was chatting along the way to the MTC because- nerves. As we neared the MTC, we could see missionaries walking along. Adren exclaimed, "There's my companion!" I could tell he was so excited to see his awesome district in person! Adren asked, "Mom, do you know what is going on back here?" I looked behind me where Eli was sitting to see him throwing up! Oh no! He had grabbed an empty diet coke box and only being semi-successful in aiming. I frantically tried to find something- a bag, paper towels- something! I looked at Adren in his fresh suit and combed hair starting to gag. "Adren! Look at me! You are NOT throwing up!" he replied, "Well I'm trying NOT to, Mom!" I looked back at Paisley and Zeke who were looking on the verge as well. Oh nooooooo!!!
As soon as we pulled in, a nice Elderly man peeked in Jon's window. "Do we have a missionary in here???" he excitedly asked. He looked right at Eli, now face and shirt covered and hurriedly motioned us along. I felt so helpless! We pulled into the parking garage and Adren jumped out so fast. Jon and I hopped out and helped him with his luggage. He said he was going to be ok. A nice missionary sidled up next to us, eager to grab the bags. It was one more quick tight hug and he was off!
Jon and I just stood there watching him go. I couldn't believe this is how the drop-off went down!
Whaaaaaat just happened??? We looked at eachother with tears in our eyes and hugged-sobbed together. Adren is officially gone for two years!!!
I know this is not about me, but it was amazing how much my anxieties lifted once he was IN the MTC. I suppose everything is leading up to that, where my job helping prepare is mostly done. My goodness, there are so many steps from opening that portal all the way to the MTC drop off, I had no idea!
He was able to call the very next day and tell us how amazing every second of the MTC had been, the celebration to be together in person with his district, his reflection on the crazy drop-off (ha!) and how much he was already learning.
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Of course I didn't want to be teary while he talked so I kept it together, but about lost it when he started playing with his ear like he's done since he was a baby. I could picture him all snuggled on my lap with a bottle playing with his ear.
I love you, Adren!!! |
Something so fun is that one of Ashley's young women is in his district! She gets her side of things, with pictures of Adren and all the great times together. So neat!
So far he has caught fire and loves learning more about the gospel. He has loved the friends he has made and it has been a wonderful experience and I am so very grateful for that! Elder Geertsen is already blessing our family so much and we will be praying so hard for him over the next two years!!!
