He's in the MTC!

The longest weeks of Justin's life were waiting to leave for the MTC on Wednesday, June 27th. Tuesday, after he was set apart as a missionary, the Stake President challenged us to support Justin in living the mission rules. We spent Tuesday night all together as a family--all seven of us! We don't know when that will happen again. Justin's friend Garth came over to be his companion for the night. He joined us, my parents and my brother for scriptures, treats and games. Being with people, laughing and talking, is Justin's favorite way to spend an evening.
Being the obedient man Justin is, he was in bed by 10:30 and up by 6:30. Zach got up and they went on a final run together. After finishing packing and family prayer, we went to lunch to Smash Burger. Surprised us all! Justin is so determined to eat healthy; we laughed that he chose Smash Burger as his "final meal."


Smash Burger "Final Meal"--Justin recommends the avocado burger.

In the car on the way to the MTC.

He's official now!

The MTC was awesome--quick, sweet and painful. We could feel the spirit of the MTC as we drove in. I loved how the missionaries were standing at the curb, waiting to greet the new missionaries. A missionary from Hawaii took his luggage out of the car. Justin gave me a hug and left down the sidewalk with another missionary. He never looked back. He's been waiting for this moment his whole life. I got in the car and cried. When he was a little boy, I called him "Just-a buddy." I really miss that boy, but I am so grateful for the man that he's become.