And so it begins...

I'm using the same title for the first post on Luke's missionary blog that I did eight years ago for Luke's brother Austin's missionary blog. At the outset, I would like to say that sending my son on a mission is every bit as difficult the second time around as it was the first. Maybe more so. However, I would also like to say that I am so proud of Luke and truly excited for the incredible experiences I know he will have over the next two years. Future posts on this blog will include Luke's letters and pictures home each week, and after this post, I promise to keep my commentary to a minimum :) Thank you so much to everyone for their love, support, and prayers for Luke.

One quick story. When we pulled into the MTC, there was a senior missionary who greeted us at the gate. She asked Luke where he was going and when he said, "Washington DC," she asked excitedly, "North or South?" Luke answered that he was going to DC South and she said, "That was my mission! You are going to love it!" What a sweet tender mercy to be greeted by somebody who had served where he's going, just like his brother was eight years ago. Coincidence? I choose not to think so. 

Leaving the house... 

We took pics and spent some time
 together on the Provo temple grounds
before his MTC arrival time 

Luke's "best friend" Abby reported 
to the MTC at the same time for her 
mission to Cape Verde 💗

Almost time for goodbyes; the 
floodgates opened about 5 seconds later...

... as evidenced by our red, puffy eyes