This picture was taken on January 8, 1997.  This was the day that I entered the M.T.C.  See that darling group of kiddos standing in front of me, those are my adorable baby brothers and sisters.  The boys were 5 and my sisters was 4.  My hair was a lot longer.  I was a bit chubbier.  My demeanor was excited but scared out of my wits.  I was heading off on an amazing adventure and didn’t have a clue as to what I was getting myself into.  I was leaving behind my amazing family and most of all, those little kids that would be so grown up when I got home. 

Here we are now.  Almost exactly 14 years later and my awesome baby brothers are both leaving on their missions in the morning.  They are so excited and scared all wrapped up into one big ball.  Now, if you are all scurrying to do the math don’t.  I am still 29 and we are going to leave it at that. 

They don’t have the program at the M.T.C. like they used to.  Now it is simply a curb side drop off.  Families are no longer welcome to take them inside.  This is the last time that I will see these two for the next two years.  Even as I type that, tears are forming.

It has been such an amazing privileged to be their oldest sibling.  I remember the day that they were both born.  Wasn’t it just yesterday?  It seems as such.  It is impossible that enough time has gone by for these two to be embarking on the journey of a lifetime.

Tonight was an incredibly special night.  I can’t remember the last time that either brother has cried.  However, tonight, they both were very full of emotion.  I was so proud as I sat in the room when they were set apart as full time missionaries.  What a unique experience it was as they were both able to help set the other one apart.  I imagine that that doesn’t happen very often.

I feel very privileged that each of my brothers entrusted me to take care of something very special to each of them.  To one it was his amazingly wonderful girlfriend of 3 years with whom I have a pact to go out to lunch with at least once a month!  And to the other, his beloved facebook login and password.  I will be overseeing the postings there for the next 2 years.  Bwahahaha!

Go Elders!  Serve with all your might.!  Be obedient!  Do you best in all things and you will be blessed beyond measure.  Your mission will stay with you for the rest of your life and you will find yourself drawing upon it in times that you need it the most.  I love you both!  Boa Sorte!

And as a side note and solice to myself, they were still pretty little when I came home.  Time may go by, but love remains!