Today Elder Wadley wrapped up his time in the Provo MTC, and flew off to Indiana to start his real adventure. To re-cap his last week in the MTC, I will give you a few quote highlights of his short and sporadic e-mail clips this past week.
We were able to sneak up to the airport to see him off on his plane. I would like to state for the record that I kept my cool the whole time, and only had a minimal breakdown when we left. I didn't want his last memory of me to be a horrible mascara stained mess.
He was at the airport with six other Elders headed to Indianapolis. His companion was right by his side, Elder Fonohema. They are just darling.
They had to wake up at 3:50 this morning to take Trax up to the airport, and despite that- the smiles on their faces were infectious. Brendan was anxious to board the plane- where he somehow finagled a first class seat. He wanted to settle in with his free drink and snacks. So quick hugs and pictures and they were off.
He did turn and wave- but it was more of a "peace out" than a "good-bye."
After filling some holes in my heart with some no-bake cookies supplied by Mikayla, I received an e-mail from Brendan's mission president.
All is well.
"why do you even work out its stupid honestly i had abs once and there overrated i like my belly way more"
"we are going to the temple today so thatll be good umm other then that nothing really to fun um so i miss music like crazy im sick of hymns everyone always says ohh hymns invite the spirit there great blah blah its crap hymns suck."
"yeah if you guys can, then come to the airport ummmm also if you do come to the airport could you bring the sunglasses i have hanging in my jeep that twould be great or grand as some might say."Brendan is entertaining, I will give him that. If you think that from these words he is kind-of a sassy pants- well, he is. But underneath that sarcastic shell is the tenderest of hearts. I recognize this in him because I share his aversion to "feels." This will probably prove to be one of his biggest changes these two years- to be able to open up to and love the people that he serves. The Lord has a way of using our strengths and our weaknesses to refine us.
We were able to sneak up to the airport to see him off on his plane. I would like to state for the record that I kept my cool the whole time, and only had a minimal breakdown when we left. I didn't want his last memory of me to be a horrible mascara stained mess.
He did turn and wave- but it was more of a "peace out" than a "good-bye."
Your son, Elder Brendan Wadley, arrived safely in Indiana. It was a pleasure to meet and welcome him to the mission. He has a solid testimony of the gospel and is excited to be doing the Lord’s work. Sister Carlson and I look forward to serving with your son during this special time in his life.I know Elder Wadley will appreciate letters from home, but I discourage phone calls or visits except for emergency situations, and with prior coordination with me. I recommend that you send all mail and packages to the office. We will forward items to your son's apartment address. For your information, due to postal regulations, packages can only be forwarded when they are sent Priority or First Class mail.Sister Carlson and I will love, care for, and watch over Elder Wadley as if he were our own son. Thank you for the love and support you have given, and will give him on his mission.Sincerely,Daryl H. CarlsonPhoto Attachment
Mission President
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