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The day we've all been waiting for finally came, September 10, 2008 the first day Devin L. entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.  It started out a very overcast and cloudy day.  Who would have thought in Utah it would be like that?  Regardless we all made it there in one piece with all of the luggage in tow.  Once we finally arrived in Provo the sun actually came out and was nice for pictures.  Once we arrived, Devin L. was directed on where to go to get his bags dropped off and then to check in.  Upon checking in he was given two things, his Missionary Badge and his Address Card.  He came over with both and handed it to his mother and asked her to put it on his jacket.  Dad got ready with the camera as we all watched in anticipation.  By the time Mom was done she was in tears.  This was not going to be easy.  We took a few family pictures and waited for other family members to show up.  It was amazing to see all of the other missionaries and family members coming in one after the other, it was definitely a busy place.

Once all were there it was time to head down to the Chapel area.  Here we watched a video until about 12:15 pm.  Then the meeting started and we sang a hymn, Called to Serve.  After an opening prayer we were welcomed to the MTC by the 1st Counselor of the MTC Mission Presidency.  He introduced the Mission President and his Wife.  Both of them spoke next and encouraged, counseled, and praised all the missionaries and parents.  The Mission President told the parents to write encouraging letters, don't tell the missionary that they converted their bedroom, gave away the ipod, and other things, at least not all in one letter.  The Mission President's wife told everyone about the hundreds of volunteers, teachers, and branch presidents that would be there to take care of the many missionaries each day.  This was to put the minds of the many mothers at ease.

Next was the video.  It was about 10 minutes and it showed a number of missionaries opening their mission calls, then the MTC, then the missionaries out in the field all over the world waving as the camera went by.  After the video the 1st Counselor got up and told everyone that the next part was the hardest, saying goodbye.  He pointed out the signs on each side of the chapel.  One said missionary exit, the other said family member exit.  He then counseled us to treat it like a band aid and just rip it off, it's always easier that way.  A closing prayer was said and then it was time to rip it off.

Devin L. started at the other end of the row and made his way down saying goodbye to Dan and Carol Holmes, Jami Holmes, April and Salatielu Sagala, Stone Sagala, Britta and Jon Holmes, and Anne Haslam. 

Then it was time for goodbyes with his father.  His father told him how proud he was of him, to always remember who he stood for, and to have a good mission.  There were lots of tears.

Adam was next and had been doing very well, up until Devin L. picked up his little brother.  They both hugged, and cried.  Adam would miss his big brother so much.

Last but not least it was time for goodbye with his mother.  She told him of her love and to have a great mission.  More tears of joy.

And then that was it, Devin L. turned and headed for the door.  He walked out tall and didn't look back.

The family members then used a number of tissues and headed for the door as well. 

Once we hear from Devin L. and more about his first day we'll be sure to post it here for you to read.

Pictures from the First Day
Devin L. arrives at the MTC	Grandma Anne with Devin L. and Adam.	Devin L. with his father, mother, and little brother.	Mom placing the Missionary Badge on the jacket.	Around the MTC were lots of displays, this was a 1st edition of the Book of Mormon.
Here is a small bust of the Prophet Joseph Smith.	Devin L. with a statue of Christ.	The Holmes Family together one last time for two years.	Devin L. with Cousin Stone, Aunt April, Cousin Baron, and Uncle Salatielu.	Grandma Anne and Devin L.
In the lobby of the MTC...	...plenty of people are arriving to check in.	Devin L. with Uncle Jon and Aunt Britta Holmes.	Devin L. with Grandma and Grandma Holmes.	Devin L. with his Uncle Jami.

Copyright © 2008 Devin Holmes