Landon has made it safely to the MTC! It has been an eventful and emotional couple of days... Again, we are grateful to all who have helped Landon prepare... here is a brief report of a few things you may be interested to hear about....
He was given a very nice blessing by President Rindlesbacher as he was set apart last night. Some of the highlights of his blessing: He was blessed that he would learn to love the people, learn their customs and their culture, and excel at the Spanish Language. He was encouraged to study hard at the MTC, but reminded that whatever language skills he lacks when he leaves the MTC will be compensated for if he teaches with the Spirit...the universal language that all will understand. He was reminded that his family will be blessed in his absence as he serves righteously. He was charged to be faithful, diligient, and humble. 
After the Stake Presidency and Bishop left, he said goodbye to nearby cousins, aunts and uncles, Papa, and Amy. Later, he Skyped with Jim and Kathie and was able to hear their final words of advice and say goodbye to both of them. Landon went to bed at 10:15 and got up at 6:15, just like President Rindlesbacher encouraged! This morning, he finished packing (finding clever and creative ways to stash all the goodies that Jessica and Hutchings gave him), wrote a few more thank you notes, cleaned his room and changed his sheets (yes! really!) and had his luggage in the car a full half hour before our scheduled departure time.
Scott, Myself, Lauren and Tyler went to the MTC with Landon. We stopped for lunch on the way down, and arrived at the appointed hour. Landon got his name tag, which he brought to me to put on for him (tears started at this point). 
We then entered the chapel where all the missionaries were gathered, and did not have to wait long before they began the program with...you guessed it...."Called To Serve." The MTC Mission President, President Boone, and his wife and counselor all spoke and did a great job. They have a great spirit about them and a love for all of the missionaries that is clearly evident in their message. We watched a short video about the MTC, and then we were left to say goodbye. They encouraged us to use "The Bandaid Method" of saying goodbye---the faster you do it, the less it hurts! We took that advice and gave our final hugs and kisses, and Landon moved down the aisle towards those dreaded "Missionary Exit" signs. Of course, other families were in his way, still staying goodbye, so Landon literally scissor kicked and leaped over rows of chairs to get to an aisle that was clear, went up the steps, and paused briefly to grin at us and raise his arm in a final farewell. It makes it so much easier to watch him leave when we can see how anxious he is to begin his missionary service.
We then entered the chapel where all the missionaries were gathered, and did not have to wait long before they began the program with...you guessed it...."Called To Serve." The MTC Mission President, President Boone, and his wife and counselor all spoke and did a great job. They have a great spirit about them and a love for all of the missionaries that is clearly evident in their message. We watched a short video about the MTC, and then we were left to say goodbye. They encouraged us to use "The Bandaid Method" of saying goodbye---the faster you do it, the less it hurts! We took that advice and gave our final hugs and kisses, and Landon moved down the aisle towards those dreaded "Missionary Exit" signs. Of course, other families were in his way, still staying goodbye, so Landon literally scissor kicked and leaped over rows of chairs to get to an aisle that was clear, went up the steps, and paused briefly to grin at us and raise his arm in a final farewell. It makes it so much easier to watch him leave when we can see how anxious he is to begin his missionary service. It's hard to stop thinking about him wondering what he is doing, and hoping that everything is as it should be, but President Boone reminded us that after we say our good bye's, our missionary would leave our arms, go through the doors, and walk into the arms of the Savior...."Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love."--D&C 6:20
As far as communicating with him: Landon will have brief access each week to a computer at the MTC, but will only be able to write a letter home to family. He has asked me to forward this weekly letter to others if they request, so please let me know if you are interested. Also, he will not have time to receive and read email from others, so the best thing to do is to write letters and mail them to Landon at:
Elder Landon Trey Gwilliam
MTC Mailbox #281
TX-SAN 1001
2005 North 900 East
Provo, UT 84604-1793
1 comment:
I still can't believe he's old enough to be doing this. He looks very much like a missionary and ready to go. I promise that when he walks through those doors, he is so busy he barely has time to think about anything, but missionary work. I think it is harder on the families. I would be interested in receiving his letters. Add my cectraphillips@yahoo.com email to the list.
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