Kyle leaves for MTC

Well, it's the day we prepare them for. We spend their whole lives teaching and hoping that they'll grow up, be responsible adults, go to college, go on a mission, get married in the temple, have a family, live a happy life.

So, Kyle after a long summer of work and preparation, left for the MTC Wednesday. We had a lot of special days leading up to this point.

The day he received his call... Boston Mass, Portuguese speaking. WOW!

The night he received his endowments in the temple. Surrounded by family in the celestial room, I thought this must be a little like Heaven. Definitely where we all want to meet someday.

A summer of going to the temple at least once a week and at the end almost every day.

The day he gave his talk at church. We had over 100 people show up. Half family, half Copper Creek family and a few of Kyle's school and work friends. Then of course our ward family... they would have been there anyway. He spoke from his heart about prayer and the importance of a strong relationship with his Heavenly Father. He told  a few stories and talked of how he had felt God's love numerous times throughout this past summer and throughout his life. So sweet!

The night he was set apart as a missionary. We had just our immediate family, both sets of Grandparents, our Bishop and our Stake President. After some instruction from our stake president about journal and letter writing, we went around the room and each person spoke to Kyle. Some special things were said about him that night. He's a hard worker, he's spent the time preparing and is already a "faith of power" missionary, he is well loved, and will be missed. Don't waste a minute. Make this your mission, something to look back on and know you did your best for your Heavenly Father. It will change your life forever. Three younger brothers that love him and will miss him, yet look up to him and can't wait to follow his example. We all shed some tears. Kyle was set apart as a missionary and given the gift of tongues, the blessing of health and strength and the ability to teach the people from the "land of heroes." The Portuguese people.

Then the day we dropped him off at the MTC. We had a quiet lunch, took some pictures at the temple and drove into the MTC. They welcomed us and had us turn left. As we drove down the street, missionaries lined the sidewalks waiting for the new elders. Just as we were pulling to a stop, we saw cousin Payden. He had already been in the MTC for about 7 weeks. Kyle jumped from the car as Payden ran down the sidewalk and they hugged, so excited to see each other. We had a chance to talk and take some pictures and then off they went. Payden got to be his host and show him to his room and show him around. It doesn't get any better than that. Drop him off and hand him over to his best friend.

Now he is gone. The house seems a little empty. We feel a hole where Kyle should be. We are so happy and excited for Kyle and what he has chosen to do, but miss him all the same. I wonder, "what kind of church makes mothers do this?" But then I wouldn't have him anywhere else right now. It will be hard, I miss him like crazy all ready. But I want this experience for him. I want these life changing events that will shape who he is and how he lives the rest of his life. I love him, but have to let him go.

And now begins the next phase of being a mother. I send off my firstborn to make his own way in the world. Having taught him all we know and established a good foundation, we watch him grow and move on to his next phase in life. I love you Kyle!