buenas suerte, elder deyoung!

last wednesday we loaded up the car with 2 suitcases, a backpack, and a missionary. that's right... the day had come for the mtc "drop-off". it was an interesting car drive to provo because we listened to a mo-tab cd (thanks aunt jana!), making it feel like more of a sunday drive. christian seemed a combination of nervous and excited as we all made small talk, kind of avoiding the mtc topic. we stopped in salt lake for christian's "last supper" at hire's where we were all treated to a delicious big h and frosty rootbeer mug. good choice, elder deyoung! when the family arrived in provo, we all got out of the car and took some pictures in front of the temple. the moment began to set in as we loaded back into the car and drove to the "drop-off" zone. there are 25 stations, each containing a pair of elders. we were assigned station number 8. the car slowly pulled up to our location and we all got out to say goodbye. i was shaking as i gave my brother one more hug to last him the next two years. the waterworks were flowing and it felt like a fresh band-aid being pulled off as one elder took the luggage and the other took christian. as we drove out of the mtc, each elder at various stations were waving and smiling at us. we all knew christian was in the right spot, even if it did hurt a little bit. i am so proud of his decision to serve a mission and i know he is very prepared to touch the hearts of the people of mexico.