Leslie's mission departure

We all knew that the day would come when we would stop talking about Leslie's mission and actually take her to the MTC. That day came last week. But before that we had some fun.(?)

Leslie had to have several shots to prepare for the mission. So back in January we went to the health district, thinking that we would get two of the five she needed to have, and return for the others another day. We approached the desk and the nurse informed us that she could have up to eight in one day! So we went ahead with the five, she was not a happy camper and held my hand so tight that I thought she was crushing it.

Leslie also needed an eye doctor appointment. We were able to finally get in and get her contacts ordered and they arrived just 2 days before we left for Utah!

We went shoe shopping. If any of you know Leslie, she has one of the biggest shoe collections around, including mostly 3-4 inch heels. SO, it was with great pain that she went shopping for what she called "grandma orthopedic" shoes or sensible shoes. I have to admit that one time while we were looking I found a great pair of heels that I loved and she found her so called "orthopedic" shoes. She pulled faces at me the rest of the ime that we were in the store!

We collected all the odds and ends that were required and stuffed them into 2 suitcases. I don't think she will be able to lift either of them. Lets hope for an elevator or ground floor apartment.

The Saturday before we left, we had a small dinner/open house for her. She really did not want a party at all, but I thought it would be nice to do. We had Eileen, Jeff, Karen and Kids, Mark, Zen and Jody, and Wendy here along with a couple of neighbors. It was fun to see everyone.

Leslie spoke in our home ward on Valentines Day along with her boyfriend as her companion speaker. We rushed home from our meetings, had lunch and were off again to Leslie speak in her singles ward. She did a great job on both talks.

Karen's family with Lauren and Garn and Leslie and Justin.

Below are the red sister's. No we did not plan this but we all dressed in red.

That evening, Leslie's Stake President came and set her apart. It was a wonderful blessing full of promises. The best one was that her parents would not have to be worried for her safety, if she followed the mission rules.

On Monday morning we packed up all her goods, and sqeezed in Mike's & my suitcase along with Justin's, and left for Utah and Eileen and Jeff left for California. Even though we were both heading different directions we were in the same heavy holiday traffic. It took us forever to get to Melissa's. We had planned on taking everyone to dinner to celebrate Melissa's birthday from the day before. (We won't say how old she is but, it was a big one) We had a fantastic dinner at the Texas Roadhouse, with a few hundred other people, (it was President"s Day and I think the whole state of Utah went out to dinner that night!) We did see one of the waitresses there that grew up in the same ward that we used to live in here in Vegas! It was fun to talk with her for a few moments.

Tuesday morning we went to the Salt Lake Temple. Marilyn and David joined us for this session as well as Luke and Kelly. It was a very specail day and we all enjoyed our time in the temple. It is such an amazing building with a wonderful spirit there.

We stopped in Alpine to have lunch with Melissa and Asher. Asher wanted to sit with Grandma and Grandpa it was very fun!

 Justin and Leslie had a mint shake that turned their tongues green!

We had a few last minute things to pick up at Walmart and then we arrived back at Marilyn's for a fun dinner of taco's and all the fixings. Marilyn had invitied Kelly, Luke and Melissa  to join us. So we got to spend a few more hours together. After dinner we played Apples to Apples and had a good time.

Then the happy/sad day arrived. We had to have Leslie to the MTC by 12:45. We went early to get some pictures taken at the normal spot. Leslie's best friend Rachael came to see her, so we visited in the car for awhile to stay warm.

The new way of delivering your missionary curb side, is better in my opinion. The old way involved a lengthy meeting that was filled with videos and testimonies that made you cry and then followed by the tearful goodbyes. Now you have to say your goodbyes before you get there. You are assigned a time and when you pull in they have you pull up to the curb and unload. From there you have 3 minutes to take a final picture and give your last hugs and then they take your missionary into the building and you are on your way.

The drive home was sad and the car seemed empty. But we know she is where she needs to be, serving the Lord.