MTC

The day finally, finally arrived that we were to drop off Golda at the Missionary Training Center.  Even though she had been called to arrive on the first possible date she could have, the first Wednesday after her 19th birthday, it was still a long time coming, with all the preparation and anticipation.  At the same time, those last 8 weeks after school ended flew by.  We had a nice dinner, and then regrettably had to leave Victor and Sofia home while we went to Provo.  There wasn't room in the car!  Our family fit just right because Araceli was at Trek.

Golda's friends, Emily Abel and Jessica Stewart, had made these darling signs.  What a fun start to our journey.  Thanks, girls!

One last good-bye, and then...

Pictures at the Provo City Center Temple.  This one was completed and dedicated while Golda lived nearby, so she wanted to stop there.  It's beautiful.  The feeling of the day was unique, celebratory, somber and unsettling, all at the same time.  It was overwhelming.

I was happy that Golda was finally leaving on her adventure.

Scott was sad.  Really sad.

Then the Provo Temple.  This is called the "Field of Tears," because all the missionaries say good-bye to their families and take pictures here.  The backdrop with the mountains is gorgeous.  Scott gave Golda a Polaroid camera, because she really wanted one.  It was fun to have.

Ruby losing her best friend.  Wow! 

Sweet little Xanthe

The tears begin...

All three of the "little" kids wanted their own Polaroid with Golda.  Those pictures are expensive, and Golda wanted to save the film for Hong Kong. but she was happy to oblige the kids.  They felt so special!

Oh no!  I think Scott wished Golda had stayed little so he could carry her on his shoulders forever.  He was really emotional. 

Golda and Tizzy doing their secret handshake.  It's sad how much Tizzy will grow while Golda is gone!

Later, we were laughing so hard at Scott in this picture.  It was the ugly cry.  Poor dad!

At the curb, the air was charged with excitement.  The MTC was lined with dozens of missionaries, all there to welcome the newbies.  This was it!  We unloaded Golda's whole life in two suitcases, and she was off!

I absolutely love this picture!  She was so ready, and so radiant.  I was happy for her, leaving all the responsibilities of "real life" behind and going away, to focus on her relationship with God and her commitment to serve Him.  She didn't have to worry about family dynamics or school or friends or dating, or any of that stuff.  She had carte blanche to focus n this one thing.  Granted, it's SUPER hard, but it's a unique experience, and she was finally diving in.  I was elated.  I was euphoric.  Scott was despondent.  It was quite the contrast.  Scott said I was "making people uncomfortable" by not being more sad.  Maybe true?  It's just that I'm so happy for Sister Dopp to be on this journey. That said, I kinda wished I'd had time to take a year-long nap after we got home, to process the feelings of the day.  No such luck.  We still had 8 kids, and Ruby was having a party at our house that night with two dozen Dance Company friends.  Onward and upward!