The MTC

Just a few minutes ago Stephanie entered the MTC.

The family gathered at the Provo Temple around noon to take some final pictures and say our last goodbyes for 18 months. Tears were shinning on all our faces off and on as we hugged and then hugged again. Stephanie presented each of her siblings and parents with a letter especially to them to be opened and read in private. We then all walked around the back of the temple and shared one final family prayer together.

After that we couldn't stall anymore, we loaded into our 15 passenger van and headed toward the MTC, tears still going strong. As soon as we entered the MTC grounds though I started to feel something new, I don't know if I was alone in this feeling but there was now peace beside the sadness of saying goodbye.

We pulled up to our allotted spot and the Elders came forward to take her luggage. Stephanie gave everyone one last hug and then she turned and followed the Elders, ready to begin her journey as a full time missionary.

After the way that I have felt for most of the morning I thought I might spend the rest of the afternoon crying but that feeling of peace that I described before has lingered with me. It is the second time that I have felt this way after someone I love and am close to has entered the MTC. It is a feeling of overwhelming comfort and peace knowing that she is where she needs to be right now and she will be taken care of.

I love you Stephanie and God be with you til we meet again.

Maren

Set Apart

Stephanie was set apart tonight (May 29, 2012) at 8:30 PM by Pres. Wayne Corbridge, our stake president.   It has been a big day.  Jacob's graduation exercises were at 4:00 PM today.   It was great to have the family together to share on this momentous occasion.  We are very happy to see Stephanie take this opportunity in her life.  She has been one to let the Lord lead her where He would have her be...and show tremendous courage in the process.

When she and each of her sisters turned 16 I gave them a promise ring to let them know that their heart belongs to Daddy.   Tonight Stephanie took it off, put it in a ring box and hid it for 18 months to signify that her heart now belongs to the Savior.  She'll put it on again when she comes home and then take it off again when she gets married.  I think I have some inkling of what that ring has meant to her.  She lost it a couple times and really worried about it.  She found it both times through prayer and hard work (she needed a metal detector and a lot of patience to find it one time).  Through experiences like that she has come to know that prayer is real and that her Heavenly Father will listen to even small concerns like the whereabouts of a ring.

I am so excited for the adventure that awaits Stephanie.   Lord...look out for my precious daughter.

Dad

Farewell

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Stephanie on her big day. She will carry your love with her as she serves the people of El Salvador.

Called to Serve

Sister Stephanie Hale, you are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the El Salvador San Salvador Mission. You should report to the Provo MTC on Wednesday, May 30, 2012. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish Language.