We headed for Provo around 11:30 am.
Elder Roper is all packed up and ready for the MTC!
We met up with everyone at Raising Cane's for lunch -
Elder Roper's request.
We had to get one last signature selfie with Elder Roper.
And one last selfie with his momma.
There were several other families eating lunch with their missionaries before dropping them off at the MTC. It was fun to watch them and talk with them about what mission their missionary was called to.
A set of missionaries that were serving in Provo came in for lunch. I noticed one of the elders looking at Keaton. I didn't think much of it because to seemed like all of the missionaries were watching each other just because they all had something in common.
Keaton got up and went to the bathroom. The missionary that was watching Keaton came over to me and asked where Keaton was serving. When I told him Ecuador, his eyes lit up and he said, "That is where I am from!" Then he asked what mission and I told him Guayaquil West and again he said, "That is where I am from!" He was so excited!
What small world. I sat and chatted with the elder an his comp. He told me Keaton would love it in Ecuador - it is beautiful!
What a small world!
Another person approached Keaton and asked him where he would be serving. That person's father served in Guayaquil West. He sat and told us what a great mission it is!
Not sure if it helped Keaton out, but it sure calmed my momma heart to talk with those people.
What are the chances?!?
Another testament that Heavenly Father knows us and he knows what we need.
We headed to the Provo Temple ground to take some photos.
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| Elder Roper and his brother, Jackson |
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| Elder Roper with his brothers, Hayden and Jackson |
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| Claire & Hayden, Elder Roper, Jackson & Jenny |
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| Jackson, Elder Roper and Jenny |
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| The signature "thumbs up" missionary pose |
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| Hayden, Elder Roper & Claire |
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| Jason and Elder Roper |
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| Jason, Elder Roper and Amy |
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| Elder Roper with his momma - Amy |
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| The Roper Family - just missing Carson |
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| One of the missionaries in Elder Roper's district |
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| This lady asked if Elder Roper would pose with the Ecuador Flag Stole |
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| She posted the photo on her InstaGram |
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| It's time for those dreaded goodbyes! |
Always so hard!
We got in the car and headed over to drop Elder Roper off at the MTC.
We pulled in and looked who greeted us!
One of Keaton's buddies that he grew up with - Jake Muhelstein.
What a comfort to be able to send Keaton off with a long time friend!
Elder Muhelstein took a few pics of us.
Elder Muhelstein kept telling me how Keaton was going to love it here!
Once again, my momma heart was calmed!
Then it was time for the last hugs!
God be with you 'til we meet again . . .
And he was off . . .
so hard to watch him walk away.
See you in two!
We are so proud of Elder Roper!
We know he is going to learn and grow so much!
That evening, we received this photo of Elder Roper eating dinner with his district!
It's go time!