Farewell

And just like that, it was time for Chase to become Elder Preslar and begin his training at the Missionary Training Center. As always, time dragged its little feet until suddenly it was sprinting.

Chase began his MTC training on Monday, September 19. The day before that, he had the opportunity to give a talk in church. Back in my day, (cue creaky grandma voice), the church meeting for a departing missionary was called a Farewell, and the family of that missionary took over the entire meeting and planned it according to their wishes. All the talks and music and everything. Those meetings could get a little out of hand - the main problem being that the focus became the missionary and not what it should have been, Jesus Christ. So those farewells have been minimized to just the missionary speaking, plus whoever else the bishop asks. And...our bishop asked Troy and me to speak with Chase. So it kind of was still like an old-timey farewell. Only we tried to not focus on Chase, but share spiritual messages. I felt really good about the thoughts we shared, and I was especially proud of Chase, who was very nervous about writing a talk, but did it, and did a terrific job. 

I was incredibly touched by the number of people who showed up to support him. Both of my brothers and their families came, as well as all of Troy's brothers and mom. We had so many friends there too. Chase's friends from Aspen Grove, the Mayfields, Tuckfields, Tates, Irvines, Pehrsons, Behunins, Grovers, Burnetts...so many dear dear people.

It was actually quite humorous - this meeting just happened to take place on the same day that I was released as the Relief Society President of the ward. My whole presidency got rearranged, plus the entire Young Women Presidency and Sunday School Presidency, plus several other separate callings as well. We were all giggling about how many people were standing up to get recognized, thanked, released, called, sustained - we looked like horses on a carousel. I call days like that the snow globe days. I was very emotional about being released - so relieved and also sad and also grateful for the good experiences I had.

I'm posting a couple of photos taken from the stand. This is not usually something that happens during church, but the last speaker was our Stake President and dear friend Ben. He asked everyone in the room to raise their hand if they loved Chase. I should have taken a photo then. But I missed it. However, Ben told me to take this photo so Chase could always remember how many people were loving and supporting him. I also love the photo of Chase, Troy and me on the stand after the meeting was over.

After our church meeting all the visiting guests headed to my house (which I had been frantically cleaning all week) so we could have some food together. I set up in the backyard, even trying to screen the neighbor's yard from view for a little privacy. It worked ok. 

We had tasty toasted ham and Swiss sandwiches, a big salad, and lots of brownies and apple cake. 

Once some friends began to head home, it was time for Chase to be set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Mission time was officially beginning. 

What a tender experience to gather in the living room, and have Chase's father, uncles and dear church leaders lay their hands on his head while Ben set him apart and gave him a very sweet blessing. I will always remember how prominently Matthew was included in the blessing, promising Chase the help and presence of his brother as his own special companion. He was given many special blessings that I'm grateful for.

After the blessing, most people departed for their homes. However, because both of my brothers had come from far away, they lingered the longest, and we just gathered in a circle to talk for a couple of hours. I love my brothers so much.

Finally our house emptied out. It was a fantastic day and I couldn't have been happier, or more grateful, about the love and joy of the day. We of course had one final movie night and I bet you'll never guess what it was! Of course, Jurassic Park. We connected the tv to the big speakers and snuggled up to enjoy it one last time. Or so we thought. More on that later.