Wednesday, August 20, the day he entered the MTC, was one we had been waiting for with great anticipation for three and one half months, ever since he received his mission call. It seemed like a long time back in May but it came faster than I was prepared for. We had all of his things packed up on Monday. It was quite a process to pack 2 years worth of clothes and belongings into 3 suitcases. Early Wednesday morning, Bruce, B.J., Will and I left for Provo. I felt heart sick knowing how much we would miss him for the next two years.
We had breakfast at a nice restaurant and then drove to the MTC. Once we arrived there, things happened very quickly. There were many volunteers to shepherd all the missionaries and their parents to where they needed to go. We took our seats in a large room for a final devotional before we were separated. It was very nice - songs and several short talks by some very special people. At the end, they told the missionaries which door they were to leave by and the parents which doors they would exit from - in opposite directions. One sister, in her address, said that when they walked out of your arms through the exit, they would walk into the arms of the Savior. This was so comforting to me. We all gave him long hugs and I cried. When it was B.J.'s turn, he gave Will the tightest bear hug ever. Will smiled sadly and then turned around and walked back through the door. We watched him till the last possible second. It was hard to leave but I felt somewhat peaceful knowing that it would be one of the most worthwhile experiences of his life.
Here is a poem that Angie sent to me that expresses my sentiments exactly.
Missionary Mom
It came. The day I dreamed of, hoped for, and fervently prayed for.
You chose to serve. You chose to dedicate two years to God.
You chose to go forth and spread the Gospel truth.
I saw the change. I witnessed the spirit working within you.
My heart rejoiced and peace stayed for awhile.
Then it was time. You entered the MTC.
We took you there and goodbyes came all too quickly.
Only this time we left you there and my heart cried.
Reflections of a lifetime journey-walking with you.
A thousand memories, pave the path from infancy to this door.
My aching heart knows that things will never ever be quite the same
as you grow in faith and hold God's hand.
For you will leave as a boy, my son and then come home a man.
Oh how I will miss your face and those tender hugs and smiles.
And so for the next few years I will hold this handkerchief
and let it catch those falling, lonely grateful tears.
Tears of joy, tears of missing you and most of all
Tears of Love.
Cathy C. Himle
Here are some pictures of that morning.
Will, drinking his last glass of milk at home before leaving. They said that the MTC required a 300 cow dairy to meet their milk requirements. They go through 400 gallons of milk every single day. I believe it. When Will would get home from football or basketball practice, he would down a quart of milk in about 2 minutes. We went through many gallons of milk with just one boy.
Will, saying goodbye to Grandma. She is 84 years old and in poor health. She feels that she will not be around when he returns home in two years. It was very sad and hard for both of them.
Bruce, Will, B.J. and Janine in front of the Mission Training Center. They said that there were 380 boys going in the same day as Will. Apparently, there are anywhere from 350 to 500 young missionaries going in every Wednesday. The older couple missionaries go in on Mondays.
Will, inside the MTC, pointing to a picture of his Mission President and wife.
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