MTC bound - the adventure begins

30 December 2015
Markee was packed and ready to go about half an hour earlier than planned so the morning went really smoothly. We had heard that IHOP provided a free meal to MTC bound missionaries so we decided to go there for breakfast - turns out it is not true.  But we had a good meal and nice sitting around a table bonding time so it was not all for naught.

At IHOP

Markee had a headache and said she hadn't slept the night before because she was all stuffed up (nothing to do with the excitement, I'm sure) so we decided to stop at WalMart on the way to the MTC.  We picked up a few last minute items and medicine and headed to the Provo Temple parking lot for a last few pictures and goodbyes.

How appropriate to have the misty mountains behind her

My world

We took a few pictures and both Marin and Daina (she came with us to breakfast and to see Markee off) had to go to the bathroom.  There are no bathrooms in the temple parking lot, of course, so Doran went one way to find a bathroom for his mom and we went another to find one for Marin.  After her pit stop in Taco Bell down the street we went back and said our goodbyes.  Both Peter and I were teary, but I think everyone else was dry. :) Doran and Daina never made it back so it was just us and at 12:40 we hopped back in the van and drove down to the MTC.  When it was our turn to stop, a sister missionary came up to the car, and Markee and I got out and took her bags out.  I had time for one final hug and "I love you and am proud of you" and she was whisked away.  I got back into the van . . . and dissolved into tears, crying the entire way home.
It was as if Markee had died; I couldn't stop crying and feeling a hole in my heart.  It was the strangest and horriblest feeling ever and it lasted all day.  Jared and I played a few games and while we were playing I was fine, but the moment my mind wasn't occupied the waterworks started right back up - full-on sobs at times.  Marin stayed in her room all day and when I checked on her a few times she expressed the same thing - the same mourning feelings.  I would like to never feel that way again, but I have a few more missionaries to see off so I thing I will have to get used to it.
Markee was able to email us that night and my friend and neighbor, Fawn Benson sent me a picture of her daughter, Sarah, who works at the MTC, with Markee.  I think this helped with the sorrow.  I sure love my girl and I'm proud of her.

Hey everyone! I am having a great time already. I only have 10 minutes so it will be really short. 

I am in a trio and my companions are great. 

I saw Levi and Sarah! Sarah was my teacher and Levi just walked into my classroom with my district. 

I am only here for 2 weeks, so its going to go by super quick. P-days, I think, are on Wednesday for me while I'm here.

It is going to be great and you'll be happy to know that I am participating. We taught some people already. The first one was kind of off but the other two went very well. 

I am looking forward to my time here and I look forward to growing in the gospel while I am here. 

I love you all and I hope that you guys don't miss me too much.

Sister Jones