Wednesday evening at 9:15 we went to the Stake Center for Clark to be set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was so wonderful and peaceful and comforting. Our stake president, President Neilson gave Clark a beautiful blessing and I felt such a strong spirit. I felt excited for Clark and the work he will be doing-- inviting others to come unto Christ. When we went home I loved having a missionary in the house. Then Clark and I (mostly I) used up any leftover nervous energy obsessively packing his suitcases.
The day of, everyone was in good spirits as we got up, got ourselves ready an headed to brunch at Denny's in Orem.
Our next stop was the parking lot across the street from the MTC where we attempted another infamous Fox family selfie.
They never turn out particularly well, but we crack ourselves up.
Abe's brother, Phil works at the MTC and he came over to take a real picture of the family. It was nice to have him there to take Clark in.
Clark is wearing the coat Abe wore on his mission. Like father like son.
Then it started to get real. Real sad.
Peter wasn't being sad, just squirmy!
Because Clark was one of only 6 missionaries entering the MTC on this Thursday, we didn't drop him off a the parking garage, like usual, rather we just pulled up to the front door and could get out for proper goodbyes.
The younger brothers had to be pried away from their brother whom they adore.
It was the strangest emotion of happiness and sadness at the same time. I suppose that is what we call bittersweet, but so much more intense than I anticipated.
The final family picture for a couple of years.
As we drove home we all cried and we all shared why we loved Clark so much and how much he has shaped our family. He was a leader-- creative, visionary, driven, determined. He has an example and Abe and I could not be more grateful for him.
As we cried and talked, Peter kept telling us, "Hey! Stop talking that way! Just be happy!"
Then he would call us each out individually, "Hey, Dad! Just be happy!"
"Hey Befany! Just be happy!" "Hey, Mom! Just be happy!"
It was hard for a three year old to understand!
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