October 19th, MTC Arrival

Sister Jenna Mae Swainston was set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Oct. 18th.   President Dax Keller, using the power of the Melchezedik Priesthood, performed the setting apart and a blessing on her.  I have never heard a more beautiful blessing.  This mother knows that Jenna will be protected during her missionary service.  

October 19th she reported to the MTC.  Her father (Dee) and I, along with her sister (Stephanie) piled in the car to make the 3 hour drive to Provo.  We stopped for a quick lunch at Zuppas, and then it was time to say our goodbyes.  

Dee, Cindy, Jenna, Stephanie

We stopped at the Provo temple for a few quick photos, and then drove to the entrance of the MTC.  I have no idea the number of new missionaries arriving at the training center each week, but there are many!  Vehicles are directed to go two directions--elders to the right, sisters to the left. 

 We were then directed to pull up to the curb, and instructed to keep it to 2 minutes.  A cute little sister missionary was there waiting for Jenna.  Dee pulled the luggage from the trunk of our car, we each gave a quick hug, posed for a photo, and then she was off.   

Jenna in the pretty flowers at the temple grounds

Saying goodbye is hard!

Keeping things light--funny faces always works!

So, please indulge me for another minute, and we will go back to the curbside. The man at the curb was obviously very experienced in diverting our attention while she walked away, and I missed it!  I missed that moment that she turned her around and walked away.  Uh, that just wasn't what I had in mind!   I wanted a photo as she walked away with her luggage.  It was all planned out in my mind, and I was going to get that photo!  We had previously been instructed that we were not to leave the curbside or approach the entrance to the buildings.

 I was 'Oh so bad!'  I mean, I'm not the one who had to obey the strict mission rules, right?  So I took after them!  People probably wondered if the crazy mother was going to grab her daughter, drag her back to the car, screaming "noooo, you can't stay!  As I chased after Jenna, dodging through other girls with their luggage, I wondered if I would not catch up.  Those girls were walking dang fast!  Sprinting I would say.  But finally, with my Nikon in hand I got close enough to get the picture that will mean something to Jenna.

Tears flowed as the rest of us drove away from the MTC.  But all is well. Sending a missionary off is difficult, but her family knows that our Sister Swainston is doing what the Lord wants of her.  Spreading God's plan of happiness to the Philippines is what she should be doing.  I know that she will grow tremendously from the experiences she has during her mission.  She will strengthen her own testimony, and she will rely on our Savior, Jesus Christ.