The Hardest Thing I Have Ever Loved To Do!

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...

DJ

Seth

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...

Fred

Haley

Jace

Riggs

Gage

Grandma

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! 

August 19, 2013

Monday, August 19th, 2013

Colten and Mom were able to spend a chunk of the day together...finishing up the last minute stuff that needed our attention.  My sweet boy was exhausted.  While driving home, he fell asleep in the car...just like he did as a young boy.  I remember watching him sleep and thinking that was more than likely the last nap he would be taking for 2 years.  As tears rolled down my face, I was beginning to realize just how long 2 years was going to be. 

That afternoon, during some quiet time, Colten asked if he could give me (his mom) a blessing.  What an amazing experience it was, having my son lay his hands on my had and give me a blessing of peace and comfort.  I am not sure how I was blessed with such an amazing son!  I am so grateful I am the mom of Colten Bruce Baker.

That night, Elder Colten Baker was set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  What a blessing to our family!  To have so many testimonies shared, followed by President Palmer giving him such a powerful blessing...the spirit was palpable.

Following the setting apart, Colten was joined by many friends that wanted 'one last chance' to talk, laugh, cry, share stories, and reminisce enough to get him through the next two years.

Colten took the time to send out one last tweet...

The Farewell!

Sunday, August 18th, 2013

Elder Colten Baker gave an amazing farewell talk in sacrament meeting.  It was a powerful message and the Spirit was so strong!  There was no doubt in a single person's mind that Colten was ready...and the people in the great country of El Salvador were waiting. I was one very proud Mom!

July 2013

July 2013

 In the month of July...more friends left to serve their missions! 

Before they started leaving...one of Colten's greatest friends, Sydney Brereton, took some amazing pictures of the guys! 
I will love these photos FOREVER!

...and we are as the Armies of Helaman!

Although many friends left throughout the month, the most difficult was Elder Gunner Smith.  Having been the best of friends since the 6th grade--the goodbye was difficult at best!

June 2013

June 2013

In the month of June, several friends went through the temple and Spencer & Collin left to serve their missions!  What a month...so many emotions and so many memories!

Thanks to Lorri Craig we had some beautiful missionary photos taken!  

On June 11, 2013 Elder Spencer Wilkins left for the Birmingham, Alabama--Spanish speaking mission.  He was the first of the friends to go...

Elder Wilkins & Elder Braithwaite were able to see each other at the Provo MTC.

Colten was able to go through the temple with Gunner!  Colten and Gunner have been best of friends since the 6th grade! 

What an experience for this amazing group of young men!

Off To The Temple

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

On Thursday, May 30th, we took Colten through the temple for the first time.  What a beautiful experience it was!  Colten was accompanied by his dad, mom, his Aunt Meghan, one his closest friends--Spencer Wilkins, and Spencer's parents Kelli & Will.  The Spirit was so strong.  What a privilege to be a part of something so special!

Graduation!

Thursday, May 29th

Perry High School Graduation!

He did it!  

After facing one challenge after another...Colten Bruce Baker graduated!

What an exciting time...being able to watch this amazing group of young men prepare to start down another new and exciting path!