MTC

Today, Sister Caroline Johanna Raines entered the Provo Missionary Training Center. She will be there for eight weeks studying and learning the Japanese language. In April, she will travel to Japan for the rest of her eighteen month mission in the Japan Fukuoka Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Oh, how hard it was to say goodbye!

But she was ready to go and we are so proud of Sister Raines and her strength.

We said our goodbyes on the Temple grounds and then it was time to go over to the MTC. 

You can only drive one car through the drop-off so naturally, we all piled in one car, and drove on over. It was a bit crowded but worth it!

Our family selfie! Nine people in a car with five seats. We kept thinking we were going to get in trouble, but no one said a thing. 

Somehow, I thought that perhaps sending a second child off to the MTC might be a little easier than the first. I am here to tell you it IS NOT. It was a little different because we already knew what to expect, but it wasn't easier. In fact it was just plain HARD the first time, and just plain HARD today. 

We are very grateful for the sweet Sister that met Sister Raines at the curb. A good distraction and helper to get Sister Raines off to a good start.

Watching her walk up that side walk filled us with pride, a profound sense of gratitude for her goodness, and a great, overwhelming sadness at having to say goodbye. An incredible mix of emotions all rolled up in one.

Our thoughts and prayers have been with Sister Raines all day, and we are hoping and praying she is doing well.