MTC Fun

Tyler's stay at the MTC has been eventful.  On the Monday after we dropped him off, we received a phone call from the MTC telling us that Tyler had been taken to the doctor, blood work had been done, and he would be seeing a surgeon on Friday, but we weren't allowed to speak to him.  That call literally sent a very concerned mother to the brink of insanity with worry.  Alice called back to the MTC and was read the medical report and that Tyler had been diagnosed with a boil.  While very painful, a boil is hardly life threatening and Alice was soon backed off of the ledge she had worked herself out on.

Elder Johnson has finally had a P Day and was able to reply to the slew of emails that have been waiting for his attention.  Because of the number of emails he had and the limited time that he had to respond, most were brief, but very touching and it was great to hear from him.  Loves his companion, Elder Porter, and they are getting along really well.  The overriding tone and message of his emails is that he is having an amazing, spiritual experience.  He's excited to actually get out into the mission field.

Last night I received a phone call from Brother Mark Waite.  Mark was serving in the Stake Young Men's Presidency while I was a Young Men's President and actually came and officially opened Tyler's Eagle Court of Honor.  Since serving in Young Men's, Mark and his wife were called to serve in the MTC and they are Elder Johnson's District Advisers.  They assist at the MTC to get the missionaries ready to go into the field.  Mark had several stories to tell and assures us that Tyler is going to be an incredible missionary.  Mark was able to provide a picture of Tyler with his district at the MTC:

All of these missionaries except the Sister in the green shirt are called to serve in the Washington DC North mission.  Tyler is standing next to his companion, Elder Porter (kinda reminds me of Tyler Ashton to me, but it is just one picture). I also found out that Elder Porter is the district leader.

MTC Dropoff

Heading out the door.

We've been looking forward to this day for over 18 years now, but that doesn't make it any easier to send a child out into the mission field.  We are so grateful to the friends, family, church leaders, and everyone else that contributed there time, talents, and love to make this day happen.  Elder Johnson is out the door and into the MTC.

Friendly goodbye :)

These two are so cute.  What good kids.  Tyler has been luck to have such a good friend supporting him in his decision to serve a mission.

The Brothers

These are Tyler's biggest fans. The Brothers won't all be together again for 2 years.  That doesn't mean the younger two aren't cheering Tyler on.

A Mothers Love

This is a Mothers reward for a job well done.  It may not feel like our parenting is complete, but this little bird has left the nest and is heading out into the world. We'll miss not being around you Tyler, but our love and support goes with you into the MTC and to your mission in Washington DC.

One Last Look

They have another Elder waiting for you at the curb when you pull up.  There is just enough time to unload the luggage, grab a quick hug, and if you are quick enough, a couple of pictures and then they are off on a new adventure.

It's official, Elder Tyler Johnson has been set apart as a full-time Missionary

Tonight, surrounded by friends and family, the Stake Presidency set Tyler apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, serving in the Washington DC North Mission.  We heard testimonies from Tyler's parents, Bishop Chamberlain, Bishop Jones, and President Rich.

We are so excited for our missionary to get to work.  We'll be dropping him off at the MTC at 1:15 PM tomorrow morning.