The Journey Begins

Elder Eric Kelly Cuff entered the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah on Wednesday, September 14th at 12:30 P.M. He was more than ready to go!

Many of you remember when dropping a missionary off at the MTC actually took some time as the family entered with the missionary and all participated in a short, inspirational meeting held in a rather large auditorium type room. Inspiring messages were shared, along with emotion evoking music. Then, just when emotions were at their peak, you would say your good-byes and the missionary would exit on one side of the room while family members exited the other side. With their tears and tissues.

Eric was the first missionary we actually "dropped off"! As his mother, I have to say I quite like this set up. We had all morning with each other and took time to say our good-byes privately. As we pulled into the MTC parking lot, we were directed to pull up in a specific spot as delineated by orange construction cones. The second Eric stepped out of the car another missionary staying at the MTC greeted him, shook his hand, introduced himself as Eric's host, asked if Eric had any keys or phones in his pocket, helped him get his bags out of the trunk, told him that has his host he would take him to get his tag, books and to see his room. Eric hugged each of us and...

he

was

off.

No more than a minute or two and we were back in the car and being directed to exit the parking lot.

Eric was fine. We were fine. No muss, no fuss, no tears. He's where he should be and so are we.

This gets all readers up to date. From here on out, this is Eric's blog. I will post when we hear from him.