Departure Day!!

It was an early morning, with so many emotions going through my mind! Corey and I have raised this fine young man for 18 years and now it is time for him to leave his family and friends and serve the Lord. Blake has always lived his life with so much integrity. He has always chosen to live right, to be honest, to be a good friend and example to everyone. Blake has always wanted to Serve a Mission, and it's hard to believe that the time is here. We will miss everything about him! He has been a joy to raise. I have no doubt in my mind that he will go out there and serve with dignity.
We took a few pictures in the morning before we left Here he is already to go, feeling excited and yes he admitted it, a little nervous too! .

Blake slept most of the way out to Provo. We ran a few errands when we got there picking up last minute things that Blake was going to need. ( Which he ended up leaving in the car and we didn't realize it until we got home) We went to Sizzler for lunch before taking Blake up to the MTC. So this is a picture of  the guys enjoying their food.Our waiter was from Virginia, which is where Blake's mission is. He said that his parents feed the missionaries all the time. So that will be neat if Blake ever gets to meet them.  

There is a parking lot dedicated to families dropping off their Missionaries, just below the Provo Temple.
It is very peaceful there. Lot's of laughter, hugs, tears, and pictures. But with all of that, you can feel the spirit so strong. I Cherish the memories of our family there.....We all tried to keep our emotions in check. I didn't wan't Blake to be upset, as he was just glowing. He was set apart as a missionary the night before by our Stake President, Bradley LeBaron. And by looking at Blake you could tell that he was a Servant of our Heavenly Father.
The moment came when it was time to take Blake across the Street to drop him off for two years. We all hugged him and said our goodbyes. When I hugged him I couldn't help but cry! Oh how I will miss this boy, who turned into a man overnight! We gathered our family into a circle and Corey offered a prayer, it was a sweet tender experience.

 We all piled into the Truck and crossed the road to the Missionary Training Center. There were a sea of Missionaries, each one waiting to take an incoming missionary into the MTC. You don't have much time at the curb, so Elder Laing quickly hugged each of his brothers again, then his Dad and me. We told him how much we loved him, and He walked away. He didn't look back, He was so ready!

 Goodbye Elder Laing! You will be a fantastic Missionary and will be able to serve the Lord with all of your heart, might, mind and strength. You will learn so much about yourself and the Gospel , and you will bless the lives of so many! God be with you till we meet again! WE LOVE YOU ELDER LAING