Finally !!

Well, the countdown to mission is over. Landon was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and reported today at the MTC in Provo, Utah. Surprisingly, there were very few tears. If I could use ONE word to describe Landon's feelings, that word would be EXCITED !!

He will spend 3 weeks in the MTC, and then fly out to Peru on approximately the 7th of November.

Click here to view pics of Landon in the MTC

Here is what happened today:

When we got to the MTC, we were ushered off to a side (covered walkway area) to drop of luggage, then directed around the front of the building to the main entrance, where the missionaries went in one door to get their badges and instructions, and the parents/family went in the other door. Then Landon came over and I got to put his badge on him. It was neat. We went down the hall to a BIG chapel (more like a cultural hall, but we were told it was dedicated as a chapel). The room was about half full, but because there were only 3 of us (I think), the usher directed us up front, and we actually got to sit on the very front row !! This proved to be a good? thing..........because a nice man came up to Landon, and asked him to give the opening prayer !!?!?! Can you believe it ?? It was special, because when he introduced him, he said, "And the opening prayer will be given by Elder Landon Rich, from Morgan Utah, who will be entering the Peru Lima North Mission. It was a short sweet program, we got to sing Called to Serve, and also watch a short video of the same name. Then it was time to part, and they told us to use the band-aid approach. Quick...........and painless. We did just that, with a couple of hugs, some "I Love You's and no tears, and grins from ear to ear. He went one way, we went the other, and that was that. As we were driving away, Roger said, "Well, 730 days left to go"...........now THAT is depressing :(............... but no worries :) (now where have we all heard that?)