You leave for Africa today

Wow...it is official. You are on your way to Africa and I am so unsure of how to feel at the moment as I sit down to write this post. To account for our day and our last time spent with you here in our home for a couple of years. 

We woke up and had breakfast at home. I was thinking maybe we would go out to eat but decided rather than throw in a rush kind of morning to get loaded, go to eat, then to the airport, we wanted to create a mild no rush kind of day. I was well aware that you were going to be in for a long long travel day and I wanted the last moments being home to be peaceful and quiet. So, we did just that and I loved listening to your feet on the floors, the chatter between you and Brooklyn, being able to process some of my feelings as I watched as you moved about the house. I am even sure that Charli was well aware of the fact that you were leaving too. She didn't go too far from your side. 

I had a yard company come and set up this 'goodbye' for our Elder

See you in 2. I love you to the moon and back

Brooklyn was doing pretty good. I was so proud of her for no tears! She was determined to not let them fall and so starting out, good job B

Sunshine, smiles, and anxiety all in one photo. Elder Garcia is on his way

Elder Garcia and Tyler

We had to have Elder Garcia to the airport today by 1ish pm so we got all loaded up and headed out the door. Tyler wanted to keep things mellow and low key so we stopped Cold Stone for an ice cream to enjoy on the way to the airport. But, on our way down the street the Millers showed up and showed major love and support for this sweet Elder.

The Millers had this posted on their garage doors and I think it means the world! Friendships like this are really quite priceless and I am so grateful for their support and love. And as we drove off, quiet smiles were on each of our faces and some of us even had some tears in our eyes.

Ice cream sure isn't my first go to but the other three enjoy it so...it was a win. This picture says a lot to me and as I  look at it now after the events of today I can almost feel the heavy that Elder Garcia has on his shoulders. This has to be a scary and overwhelming day for him! He has had the opportunity to travel, he is familiar with an airport but a foreign airport and a long day of travel like what he has...that will be new. Plus, add in the 2 years in a crazy wild country that lives very differently than we do and I can't begin to imagine what all must be going through his mind. 

Once we got to the airport and we all masked up (thanks a lot Covid), we headed to get his bags checked in and his boarding passes. Everything was going well and then they asked for his Covid Test results. I hadn't printed them off!!! Insert panic moment but thankfully the sweet ticket agent was able to use the email on my phone and we were able to get him checked in and boarding passes printed off. With him traveling later in the day the airport was quite full and there were people literally everywhere!
I wasn't sure I was ready to take that walk to the security line...my heart was racing and my eyes were starting to really well up. But there wasn't much choice and so...big deep breath and away we went.

The look in Elder Garcia's eyes just about kill me!!! He is scared, nervous, and looking to Tyler for the reassurance that he can do the hard things he is walking into. I absolutely love and respect Tyler for loving these kids of mine the way he does. But I love even more how much my kids each turn to him for that safety and reassurance.

And this...oh my goodness! There was no holding back the tears for this sweet girl. Even as hard as she tried. Saying goodbye to your brother after saying goodbye to your sister just 5 months ago has ripped this heart of hers into pieces. The relationship between these two hasn't always been the best but I know they love one another and I know that this time apart and the distance will do them good.

One final hug from Tyler along with some words of encouragement

Until you are a parent and in the position that I was in today...sending your child off on an airplane to serve the Lord, to a foreign country you know nothing about, and trusting that the Lord will step in....nobody will truly understand the feelings wrapped up in this image of me holding onto Elder Garcia. He is my only son. He is one of my greatest joys. The grip I have on him where you can see my knuckles turning white...I wish I could have just not let go. So much has led to this day. So much has brought him to this point. And so much of me is thrilled to see what lies ahead. But my Mom heart aches like nothing ever before. I wish I could stop the hands of time! 

After all of our goodbyes and see you in 2's were said, I walked with Elder Garcia to go get in the back of the incredibly long line at the security gate. As we headed towards the end however, this sweet young man said "Hey Elder, you jump in right here!" and placed Elder Garcia right in front of him in the line. It was immediate you could sense some peace for Elder Garcia. This young man asked about his mission and shared experiences of his own. They chatted the whole way as I walked alongside just listening, trying to hold on for just a little longer. And before I knew it, Elder Garcia turned and looked at me and I gave him one last hug and he was off into the weaving of the security line. I stood with tears running down my face as I watched him maneuver around and then disappear through the gate. I wasn't ready to turn around and face Tyler and Brooklyn. I was a hot mess and the tears would not turn off. But again, with a deep breath and trust in the Lord, it was time to face our new normal. 

Our drive home was very similar to that of when we dropped off Sister Garcia. Very quiet with some sniffles from all 3 of us. We talked of maybe going to dinner together but it was agreed that we all just wanted to be home and to process today. I was ready to come home and start watching the Delta flight tracker to make sure Elder Garcia made it to each destination on time and that I could see when he landed in Africa. 

My heart and emotions are all over the place and I recognize that in due time things will settle. For now I am going to count my blessings that you are right where you need to be and that this will be two years of growth for the both of us. Always remember to keep the Lord in all things and He will bless you. He will keep watch and care over you while I am home and you are away. I love you. So dang proud of this choice you have made. I will sit here anxious to hear of your arrival.

Love you to the moon and back,

Mom