Goodbye, Palisades . . . Hello, Provo!
This has been a week of unexpected blessings for the Eastlands. On Monday, we flew to Utah as a family to accompany Josh when he entered the missionary training center in Provo on Wednesday. Then on Thursday, we attended our nephew Justen’s wedding. Along the way, we were able to spend some extra quality time with our oldest son, Zach, and his girlfriend, Shelby. And, most importantly for Aly, she was able to see her dog, Ajax, one more time. None of these opportunities would have been possible if our visas to Spain had not been delayed. So, although we’re still anxious to be on our way, we’re doing our best to make the most of our extra family time.
We survived several late nights helping Josh finish his packing (and re-packing) prior to our Monday morning departure as he embarks on the next phase of his two year mission to the Baltic States. His mission is centered in Riga but covers the entire country of Latvia, as well cities in Estonia and Lithuania. The plane ride also gave these two best buds one more chance to hang out (and rest up) together.
Even though you try to anticipate what it will be like, there is no way to be prepared for the range of emotions you experience as you drop off your son at the MTC, knowing that you won’t see him again (in person, at least) for the next two years. Of course there were tears. And then more tears. But also overwhelming feelings of joy and excitement. We are so proud of Josh’s decision to serve a mission and look forward to hearing his stories and seeing the pictures of all the people whose lives he will impact for good. We love you, Josh!
The missionary training center in Provo, Utah is located next to the BYU campus. It is one of several missionary training centers around the world, but the largest by far. The self-contained Provo MTC campus has classrooms, meeting facilities, dining halls, recreational areas, dormitories and green space for studying, reflection and break time. Missionaries follow a rigorous schedule, starting at 6:30am and going until 10:00pm each day, with time for intensive study and language training classes, devotionals, exercise and (of course) trips to the cafeteria. There are over 1000 other missionaries at the Provo MTC with Josh, each headed to one of over 400 missions across the globe. Josh and his two companions, Elder Maxwell and Elder Gallegos, will spend the next 7 weeks together before departing for Riga on September 6.
On Thursday, we attended the wedding and reception for our nephew, Justen Smith, and his beautiful bride McKaylee. It was wonderful to be with extended family and friends, many of whom we hadn’t seen for several years. And, of course, we forced everyone to take the obligatory family picture that requires bribes and ends with tears. But, at least it happened!
In this case, the saying “a dog is a man’s best friend” would more properly read “this dog is this young lady’s best friend!” Ajax, our now-seven-year-old black Australian labradoodle, came into our family and quickly stole the heart of our then-eight-year-old Alexandra and he has held onto it tightly ever since. Not being able to bring Ajax to Madrid is one of several meaningful sacrifices that Aly will be making in order for us to serve and we are so proud of her positive attitude and willingness to go on this assignment – and adventure – together!
I’ve been watching for news from you. So happy for this update. Love from AL!
I love the pics! I couldn’t get through them without crying, I can’t imagine what is was like for you guys.
I’m so glad you got to unexpectedly spend this time together with immediate and extended family.❤️
I look forward to seeing more of these blogs.
I’m so happy you’re doing a blog and we can get updates! 🙌 We love you and we pray for you!
Such great photos. We know about the years that come when leaving a missionary. Thanks for sharing! Love you all❤️
Dear, Dear Friends… Roy and I have been anticipating receiving some word of what is going on in your world. We are sorry to hear about the Visa holdup, but by you letter and photos, we see this ‘hiccup’ has proved to be a blessing, as you have been able to gather with family to celebrate special events. We LOVED your family photos! It is amazing to see how much your children have grown and matured in the past 8 months, since Roy and I moved from the Palisades. It goes without saying, we wish each of you special blessings from the Lord, as you go forth to serve in your various mission callings. Roy and I have three of our great-grandchildren either in their area of service, at the MTC or just preparing to leave for the MTC. One of our great-grandsons will be serving in Barcelona…we would have loved Cole to be under your amazing guidance in Madrid. One great-granddaughter is serving in Birmingham, England and very soon, our other great-granddaughter will be in Uruguay. Roy and I are so thrilled to see so many we love and cherish (all of you included), going forth to serve the Lord, in this very special way. Chris and Trista, we wish you and your wonderful family members, good healthy, protection, spiritual guidance and sweet blessings from Heaven above. We send each of you our LOVE and BEST WISHES!! Roy and I will enjoy keeping up with your adventures and unique experiences. Just keep those emails coming…I promise we will write back!!
With Hugs, Lots of Love and Happy Thoughts to one and all!!
Roy and Jenna