Late-night packing, lots of last-minute things to remember...no matter how well prepared you thought you were!  Nervous preparations, a little frazzled, a little teary eyed already...strange that only the missionary is calm!  I’ve never seen him so calm and self assured!  He’s usually the high-strung one, but hey, we’re not complaining!

Colton, Levi, and Suzanne played a few post Christmas board games (lots of laughing - we’re going to miss that unusual laugh of his most of all) while Mom and Dad apprehensively went about their business and couldn’t believe how calm and collected he was!

8:00 AM and on the road...wow that luggage seemed heavy!  Colton’s still calm and talkative...his father, however, has a knot in his stomach and a lump in his throat and wants to turn around and go back home.  Mom seems to be calm, but Dad knows better!

Met Grandma and Ed in Provo, had lunch and a long visit...Colton actually has an appetite and visits with Grandma...he’s still calm and jovial...”This Is One Very Strong and Impressive Young Man”

Well, lunch is over and it’s off to the MTC...Wow what a sight!  Hundreds of young men and ladies dressed in their best, towing their luggage behind them!  We checked in the luggage, took a few pictures!  Jill attached his impressive “Elder Colton C. Savage” name tag onto him which also had a bright red, circular sticker applied.  This is to signify that he’s a newbie...(we understand it’s lovingly referred to as a “Dork Dot”), but at least we know he won’t get lost as long as he’s wearing it!

We’re then guided to a large chapel and instructed where to sit.  The next part was not at all what I’d been warned to expect...it was worse!  I’d hoped for that quick hug, words of encouragement, and quick goodbye!  I’m already nauseous and now they want me to sit here and stew!  A couple of speakers, songs, and almost an hour later...and now they want me to say goodbye?

Dad gives a few encouraging words of wisdom & a great big hug and then relinquishes Colton to his mother!  The emotions start to flow, that strong missionary’s tears begin to fall as he’s held in his mother’s arms, and Dad just has to head to the door before he melts in a puddle like Frosty the Snowman!

A quiet, sometimes tearful, reflective ride home and it’s off to bed!  What an exhausting day!  Oh wait, maybe Dad’s got just enough time to send his first letter to the MTC...this DearElder.com website is amazing!  They let you write your letter, push a button, and they deliver your letter by hand to the MTC by noon!  I know, I know...I’m a little bit high maintenance!

Here’s to hoping our missionary was busy, exhausted, and already fast asleep by the time I clicked on the “Submit” button!

I know Colton will always be happy to hear from you and will welcome news from friends and family!  We’ll always keep his address updated on the most recent post of this blog.  We love all of you who’ve supported Colton...and us, his family...in this endeavor.  Please send him messages often and keep him in touch with your lives...We know he’ll appreciate it!