Chase in the MTC

Chase recently sent a few pictures he took while in the MTC. He loved his experience there and from the looks of things, had a great time. He was met by a former ward member, Elder Ian Cassaro. Ian was heading to Montana to serve his mission. Chase also met Elder Josh Vega there. Josh and Chase were long time friends and had gone to preschool together. It was fun to see them "all grown up". I think Josh was heading to Texas. Chase's companion got swine flu. Chase and his district had to take Tamaflu. All went well for Chase and he didn't get sick. His companion had to stay behind a week to recover.

Chase and his MTC teacher trading "ugly" ties.

Chase with all his district's badges on

Chase with friend - Elder Josh Vega

Matrix Elders

Chase's MTC Zone in front of the Provo Temple

I made him take a picture pointing to Virginia

Chase with companion - Elder Kimball

Chase with other Elders in front of Provo Temple

Chase's Mission-Leaving

The end of June, Chase received his mission call to serve in the Richmond, Virginia Mission. He was slightly disappointed that it wasn't a foreign mission but, after studying about it, he felt like he just might be going "foreign" after all.

It was a bittersweet day for me as we dropped him off (curbside) at the MTC. I knew he was doing the best possible thing for himself, for his family and for those he would bring into the gospel. Yet, I thought to myself, "What am I doing"? "I need to bring him home with me". I was proud of myself as I only cried for a short time. I pulled myself together and have never looked back. I look forward. Forward to his letters, his pictures and his phone calls. His letters have shown great maturing and spiritual growth. I know that a fun-loving son is still in there as we get snippetts of humor in his letters. I asked him during our Christmas phone call what the best part about his mission has been thus far and he said, "Feeling the Spirit every day". I want to go on a mission now! If you want to read some of his letters, I have set up a website for him at www.missionsite.net/elderflora

Saying Goodbye for two years
Getting ready for the curbside drop off

Chase in front of Provo Temple

Chase in front of Provo Temple

Mom, Chase, Dad in front of the MTC

Chase in front of the MTC

Mom and Chase at Long Beach airport leaving to take him to the MTC

Reading his mission call

Getting ready to open his mission call