Eric's Mission Begins--MTC, May 11, 2001E

Eric and Hannah together for the last time in two years!  Mike, Eric, and I left Longmont on Monday, May 9th and flew to Salt Lake City, Utah where we spent a couple of days before taking him to the MTC.

We stayed with Glen and Kendi and their kids Monday and Tuesday nights.  Here's Eric with their youngest, Maggie!  

We all went to the Salt Lake Temple on Tuesday afternoon.  It was a special treat to be there with many of our loved ones.  

Eric has really enjoyed preparing for his mission.  When I asked him if he was nervous or sad about leaving, he said that he really wasn't because he has been preparing his whole life for this.  I love that!

Eric and Bess

One hour before the MTC drop off!  Eric wanted his last meal in the real world to be at JDawg's in Provo.  It's a hotdog stand, but sooo delicious!  

Standing in front of the MTC--Missionary Training Center

Proud parents ready to send Eric off on a mission for the Lord.

The moment arrived too soon as we pulled up to the curb and these two young missionaries greeted us to help Eric take his bags and himself into the MTC.  We were told we could have about a minute to say goodbye, give him a kiss and a hug and then they whisked him away!  We all shed a few tears and he walked away as we drove away in the other direction!

We love you, Eric!  Good luck and God bless you!

Off he goes on the greatest adventure in his lifetime thus far!  We will miss him so much, but as we put him into the Lord's hands we know he will be watched over and that he will have experiences and opportunities that he could never have anywhere else!  He is so loved by so many, but not nearly as much as he is by his Father in Heaven and his Savior, Jesus Christ in whose service he is now embarked for the next two years!