Tuesday, August 20th, 2013
It was time. We woke Colten up, early on the morning of Tuesday, August 20th, 2013. I don't think any of us actually slept well..if at all. However, ready or not, he had an early morning flight to catch--non stop to Mexico City, Mexico, where he would enter the Mexico City Missionary Training Center. He would spend the next 6 weeks learning things about himself he didn't know, finding strength he did not know he possessed, he would develop a love of the temple and scriptures that he had never before experienced, he would learn to turn to his Father in Heaven--because mom and dad wouldn't be right there to listen and help make it better, and would begin to learn the Spanish language. But, first we needed to get to the airport and get him on that plane!
Joined by lots of friends and family, once checked in and at the gate, we waited.
They laughed, joked, cried, shared stories, and simply spent time together.
However, at the front of everyones' minds was the knowledge that he would have to say goodbye, walk away from his friends and family, and board a plane to Mexico City that would ultimately
get him to El Salvador for the next 2 years of his life.
Then...it was time to say goodbye.
Tears flowed, but the Spirit was so strong!
First the friends...
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| DJ |
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| Seth |
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| Brandon |
They had done a group hug as each of them left...the circle kept getting smaller.
...and then they laughed! Because that is what they do!
Then it was time to say goodbye to his family...
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| Fred |
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| Haley |
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| Jace |
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| Riggs |
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| Gage |
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| Grandma |
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| Grandpa |
Then it was time
...and I thought my heart would literally break!
Then he had to turn and walk away...
...he didn't look back. Can't say that I blame him.
It was undoubtedly one of the two most difficult days of my life.
There was a kind woman, waiting for him on the other side of the security checkpoint.
She helped make sure he got where he needed to go.
Bless her.
Colten, I will miss you, everyday, for the next 2 years!
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