SAYING GOODBYE....

Wednesday morning came quickly and early! Mike had given Kade a fathers blessing Tuesday night after he was set apart by President Hardy to be a full-time missionary. This helped us all be calm. Parker and Jackson said their goodbyes and we headed out the door. We met Erika and Jordan in Tremonton and headed south. Even though Kade said he wasn't hungry, we stopped at his favorite cheeseburger and vanilla shake place, IN-N-OUT.  He ate all of his food. 

We had a great opportunity on the way to Provo to speak with my cousin, Julie, who just happens to be very close friends with Kade's mission President and family. Brother and Sister Egbert grew up in Elko Nevada and normally live near St. George. Brother Egbert is a Captain for Southwest airlines, (who approved him to take a 3 year leave to serve his church and will allow him to continue his job when he returns) wow! Sister Egbert is....A NURSE! Yay! (IF Kade gets sick they can charter a plane and take care of him as they fly him back to the US)!  Haha. Only moms think up crazy scenarios like that! They have 3 daughters and are Mikes age (still young). This conversation was such a comfort to all of us! Kade was excited and will be in great hands. Thank you Julie for making time for us. 

 After we arrived in Provo, we drove Kade past the apartment complex Mike and I met at that was recently acquired by the MTC for additional housing. Of course he was excited about that...hahaha. Then we ended up at the Provo temple where we forced Kade to take some pictures and visited, and hugged. At 1:01,  (smile) Kade reminded us he wanted to be on time for arrival to the MTC and we drove across the street where we were instructed to unload and say goodbye in 2 1/2 minutes. 

Kade held his composure well though we could tell he was nervous. I looked around and marveled at the Elder and Sister missionaries who were also saying goodbyes to their families and met the nice missionary who would help Kade get settled inside. We all hugged Kade again, and Jordan thought to snap some pictures and really captured the emotion of the moment. 
Even though saying goodbye was hard, and we will miss him so much, we wouldn't want it any other way. Our hearts were full of gratitude for Kades courage and willingness to sacrifice many things to serve our Heavenly Father. We know for sure he has a strong testimony of the Savior and he made this choice to serve based on HIS testimony. We have watched him prepare for this day by studying the scriptures,  attending mission prep,  making good choices, and praying often. I have personally interrupted him on his knees many times. He is a great example to us and we know he will be a great missionary!
And then we got in the car and cried as we drove home.