Friday, April 29, 2011
Dear Elder
If you would like to send a letter to Ronnie through......www.DearElder.com all you have to do is go to the website and register (it's free). On the 'select a mission' tab choose Provo MTC and proceed to write your letter. He will receive a printout that very day. He won't be able to respond to it until he actually gets a pen and paper to send an actual letter. We don't know when he has his 'P' day. He can send emails on that day as well.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Day of Departure--April 27
Ronnie slept in as long as he could this morning. He didn't have an appetite for brekky--hadn't really had one for about a week. Brett & Ally were to meet us over at the Brick Oven in Provo. Zac, Danielle, Ronnie & I drove out after we checked over the paperwork one more time. On our way I phoned Nana to get the last two names we needed for the Family History chart that was to accompany Ronnie at check-in time. They were Nana's maternal grandparents who were born around the late 1800's. Ronnie got calls from Aunts Noelle & Gina, Uncle Cookie and Alex Lowder. So many of good wishes, I will miss you's and keep in touch messages. As his mother I'm so grateful that he has been surrounded with so much love.
We arrived at the MTC 'picture taking field' and Hayley Hernandez joined us. It wasn't until he stood alone in the field with the temple and mountain in the background that I felt the overwhelming emotion that I'd seen in everyone else. My child was going to be gone for two years! It finally hit me.Tearful tight, long hug--! Danielle said, "one more of picture of....." and Ronnie responded emphatically with a stomp of his left foot; No! I'm ready! Let's go!
We got in the car and off we drove ----- crossed the street and were surrounded with the same embraces we'd just experienced. Mothers' tearful goodbyes. Father's tight hugs. We entered the driveway where we were signaled in to park with Disneyland style light sabers. One by one each vehicle filed in to their designated stop. And just like the airports with recent security scrutiny---get out fast, say goodbye quick and off you go. Each car would pull up. Dad would get out, open the hatch, Elder son and father would pull out the luggage, while mom wearing sunglasses and wiping tears away would walk to her son. We weren't any different. One last embrace, Ronnie grabbed his luggage...."Ronnie one last wave." Got a picture and off he went!
We arrived at the MTC 'picture taking field' and Hayley Hernandez joined us. It wasn't until he stood alone in the field with the temple and mountain in the background that I felt the overwhelming emotion that I'd seen in everyone else. My child was going to be gone for two years! It finally hit me.Tearful tight, long hug--! Danielle said, "one more of picture of....." and Ronnie responded emphatically with a stomp of his left foot; No! I'm ready! Let's go!
We got in the car and off we drove ----- crossed the street and were surrounded with the same embraces we'd just experienced. Mothers' tearful goodbyes. Father's tight hugs. We entered the driveway where we were signaled in to park with Disneyland style light sabers. One by one each vehicle filed in to their designated stop. And just like the airports with recent security scrutiny---get out fast, say goodbye quick and off you go. Each car would pull up. Dad would get out, open the hatch, Elder son and father would pull out the luggage, while mom wearing sunglasses and wiping tears away would walk to her son. We weren't any different. One last embrace, Ronnie grabbed his luggage...."Ronnie one last wave." Got a picture and off he went!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Airport Goodbye
With backpack on, suitcases in hand, Ronnie looked every bit the part of Missionary. He checked in with his dad and Melinda by his side and off he went to security. One by one we took a picture with him for the last time. Through smiles and tears we stood and watched as he made it to the door. One last turn and a wave goodbye......goodbye son, brother, grandson, friend. Thousands of young men and women do this every year and yet when it's yours -- you pause and feel as though you're the only one that's ever experienced it. Arriverderci!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Ronnie's last Sunday with the Family
This was a bittersweet day. We converged on the Redlands 5th Ward early enough to take in the moments of the day. Ronnie's talk was on establishing a relationship with the Savior. Last night's evening fueled his feeling of how important relationships are and how we must nurture them. His talk included his love of friends, family and his passions----soccer and music. Atta Boy Son!We later enjoyed a lovely All American BBQ hosted by Ron and Melinda at their house in Redlands. Three generations of Greens, Franz & de Clercs were there to enjoy the newest Missionary Recruit!
Thanks everyone for a great day.
The day closed with the solemn, sweet and reverent setting apart of the now formally titled: Elder Green: Missionary on assignment!
An Evening with 100 of my closest friends :)
5:00 rolled around and the kids kept coming. There were kids everywhere. We had such a great time just being together. There was plenty of food and the theme was 'Mangia'! We are so grateful for the friends that came to say farewell. Smiles, hugs, and warm exchanges were contagious. Ronnie and Josh closed the evening with a few songs. There were some tears---sisters, friends, parents....we will surely miss our friend. 2 years from now we'll gather again and have so much to share.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Farewell House Party
April 23, 2011
Days after Ronnie's 20th birthday his friends gathered one last time for an evening of hanging out!
Days after Ronnie's 20th birthday his friends gathered one last time for an evening of hanging out!
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