The MTC day has arrived at last!

Okay....This isn't Amber....it's her family carrying the torch from here until December 2012.  It was a difficult time....to say the least.  We were so excited for this day to come, but now all we can do is cry....not because of sadness, but because we know it's going to be a long time (for now it seems long) before we see her again.  But....the best is yet to come; the growth, the testimony, the experiences that will shape our little Amber into a better preacher, teacher, and leader.

Last night (6.7.2011), before taking Amber up to be set apart, we had her favorite dinner; Ham, "Yummy" potatoes (AKA Cheesy potatoes) and green salad.  After the meal, we drove slowly to the Stake Center so Amber could listen to one of her favorite songs before being set apart; John Denver's "Back Home Again".  We suggested that we need to listen to this song when we pick her up from the airport in 18 months.  After the song, Amber was set apart as a missionary by President William H. Prows.  Her blessing was very touching and uplifting.  It was a spiritual event.  

Since Amber will be in the MTC during her birthday, we had an "un-birthday" birthday party for her on Sunday.  We had Dutch Oven potatoes and chicken for dinner.  Her mom baked a magnificent carrot cake.  After gorging our tummies full of wonderful food, we opened gifts and celebrated the life of a wonderful person...one, we as her parents look up to for her courage and standards....she makes us proud!




Because this morning (6.8.11) was Amber's last breakfast with her family until next December, we made her some of her favorite Belgian Waffles.   Since her mission actually started last night, after breakfast, we read and discussed Alma 5.  What a powerful thing to do as a family before taking her to the MTC.  Once we arrived in Provo, UT, once again, we had a wonderful time.  The weather was magnificent; 75 degrees, clear blue skies...what more could we ask for??!  We went to Guru's on Center and 100 E and enjoyed a filling lunch.  From there, we drove up to the Provo Temple, walked around the grounds and took some pictures, then dropped her off at the MTC...something that we didn't think would be too difficult, but...oh my...what an understatement!

Below is a sample of some of the photos that we took.

More to come...as we hear from her
Bye! ;)