Elder Update

I wrote in the last post that we had spoken with Dalin yesterday morning.  We were hoping against hope that we would hear something from him or his mission president later in the day to let us know that he had arrived safely.  However, since my friend Laurie didn't hear from her son for over a week after he got to the field, I wasn't holding my breath.  We got lucky, though, because at about 5:00 I checked my e-mail and saw that Dalin's mission president had sent both a note and pictures.  In summary, Dalin arrived safely, was interviewed by the President, and then he was assigned as a Spanish-speaking missionary!  WOW!  I think he is probably happy about it, but I'm looking forward to hearing from him next week.  He was assigned to the Santee 5th Branch, about 20 miles NE of San Diego, and supposedly his trainer, Elder Esplin, is one of the best.  I certainly hope so because Dalin has his work cut out for him learning Spanish and the missionary ropes at the same time.  I know he can do it.  We're praying for him, and I'm sure he would appreciate any prayers anyone else might send up for him. :)

Elder Gunnell

It's time I posted about the experience of dropping my son off at the MTC and the events since. I think I can do it now without drowning my computer in salty stuff, thereby ruining it and having to spend a lot of money I don't have on a new one. Sigh.

Dalin gave his farewell talk in church on Feb. 22, and there were so many of our friends and family there. Thank you, everyone! He gave a wonderful talk on eternal families, and he got very emotional, which I wasn't expecting, so I guess I got a little emotional. ; ) Actually, I was crying before the meeting even started. . . . Brent's parents came from Arizona on the Friday before so they could be here for the open house on Friday evening. We had about 75 people here that night, and I could have stayed up all night visiting and reminiscing with all of these great friends. Each family brought a tie for Dalin, and we wrote their names on the back of it with a permanent marker, so when he wears it, he will remember how much that family loves him and prays for him. What a great evening!

Saturday was a play day for the boys which included shooting at the range, a flag football game, and hanging out with Brent's sister Julie and family. Monday we spent cramming two years of stuff into two suitcases (yeah for space bags!), and Tuesday we were off. We were able to go through the Draper Temple, have dinner with family, and see Dalin's wonderful friends/roommates that day, and Wednesday morning, after a night of tossing and turning for all, we drove to the MTC.

The Missionary Training Center is unlike any place on earth. There are hundreds of young men and women milling about a huge campus in suits and dresses, and the Spirit there is palpable. We took pictures outside the building, then as we walked to the front doors, the greeter said to Dalin, "Now once you go in today, you can't go back out." Dalin nodded and then just stood outside the door. We all stood with him as he prepared himself to enter and start a new phase of his life. After about three minutes, he squared his shoulders and said, "OK. Let's go." First off, he received his Elder Gunnell name tag, and I got to put it on his suit pocket. He was so tall and handsome standing there. Then we all went to a meeting with the MTC president where he explained about the MTC and what to expect for missionaries and parents. After he spoke they showed this dumb--I mean, wonderful--film about missionaries and about parents leaving them at the MTC. I'm still trying to figure out why they show a film about crying parents and siblings when we're all going to be experiencing that same thing ten minutes later. All it did was start the waterworks early. The girls had a hard time, especially Jensen. She adores her brother and will miss him sorely. I did pretty well--just a few tears, no weeping and wailing--until the final good-bye came. I cried then, but I got it under control and was ok until Dalin reached back for my hand as he walked out the door. Ok, then I totally lost it. I'm a mom! What mom wouldn't cry buckets when holding her 19-year-old's hand for the last time for two years? Part of me wanted to just pull him back into the room and into my arms, but at some point, I just had to let go. Letting go isn't all it's cracked up to be. :)

So today, my boy called from the Salt Lake airport. He is flying to San Diego now and starts his service to the Lord in California in about two hours. I am so happy for him and proud of the man he is becoming, and I can't even explain what it was like to hear his voice after a three-week fast. I can't imagine what it will be like after the seven months between Mother's Day and Christmas. I am comforted by the fact that he is excited and ready for this. He has been preparing his whole life to be an ambassador for Jesus Christ and to teach people about His love. His letters from the MTC have been full of wonder and excitement. His testimony has grown as he has listened to amazing talks by church leaders, had thorough training, and taught people the missionary lessons. He said he has never felt the Spirt of the Lord more strongly than he has the last three weeks. When we talked to him this morning, I asked him if he was worried about anything. He said he was just ready to go! Look out California, Elder Dalin Brent Gunnell has entered the field!

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