And... They're Off!!

Oh, my! Can we say... busy?! These past two weeks have been so crazy! A week after their farewell, Mom and Dad were set apart as missionaries by our wonderful stake president. Our family got to meet together and listen to their very special blessings. They were both blessed with strength, health and a higher insight for the people they will serve in Ukraine.
After the farewell, they packed and were off to the Provo MTC for a week. They really enjoyed the time they spent there. Everyday was scheduled full with classes and meetings. Mom and Dad mostly focused on teaching others the Gospel. They got to play the role of investigators, then missionaries. From what we understood at the MTC, it sounds like teaching will be a big part of their responsibilities in Ukraine. The church is growing there, and people need to hear the message of the Gospel.
During the week, we discovered that Satan is ever present and is always trying to distract and lead us away from our righteous goals. Dad had some more medical concerns with his knee as well as his eye. The MTC took wonderful care of him, got him to the doctor and made sure everything was working well. It turns out that he'd strained a muscle pretty badly just under his knee, and could barely walk. They found a cane that helped a great deal. It looks like he will carry that for the next two or three weeks until it has a chance to fully heal. No major concerns. His eye had a blood vessel break in it, as a result from a previous surgery. Again, no major concerns, it should heal all by itself in two weeks. The doctors all treated Mom and Dad extremely well and made sure they were all set to leave, even though it will be with a few more challenges than expected.
The Elders and Sisters at the MTC treated all of the senior couples extremely well. Mom commented several times that they were all there to help every step of the way. She said it was Wednesday before they ever had to open a door for themselves. I was so pleased to hear Mom and Dad talk about the kindness of the young missionaries. I'm sure the elders and sisters in their mission will treat them with the highest respect and kindness as well. That will also be a big part of their responsibilities, caring for the elders and sisters.
At the end of the week, they drove back home. We got to enjoy their company for one last weekend. We helped put together last minute things that needed to be packed and loved every second we could have. We all got together as a family and had an early Thanksgiving. It was so much fun! We played a game and learned about Ukraine, and had tons of yummy food. It's such a blessing to be able to be all together as a family to support our parents/grandparents on a mission.
Then Tuesday, Nov 5th... it's time to get on a plane! I woke up extra early, and helped Mom get a few last things packed, and we headed to the airport! It was snowing like crazy, but we made it safely. After one last picture, a hug and kiss, they were gone. They both seemed happy and excited. I got a phone call from Mom a bit later saying they were ready to board the plane, they had made it through security okay and all is well. They won't arrive now in their mission until Wednesday (tomorrow) afternoon. I will post again this weekend with news on how they are settling.
It's so wonderful to see the Lord's work hastening on! We love our missionaries. :)

Off to the MTC!

Bye, bye!!