The MTC Drop Off

 Austin gave his farewell talk on Sunday April 30, 2017.  He spoke on the Book of Mormon.  It was so fun to hear him share his testimony of the Book of Mormon with all our friends and family.  I was overwhelmed by all the people that came to support him.

After his farewell we welcomed everyone to our home for a fun Belgium Waffle Bar.  Everyone pitched in and we had a great time.  The next few days proved to be a little challenging as we had to fit in all the final details and final goodbyes for our son leaving for two years.  

 By Tuesday evening most of the goodbyes were said and the Stake Presidency came over to our home to set Austin apart as a full time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  We invited our parents to be a part of it.  We had Fran, my mom and my dad all there with us.  It was a wonderful experience.

Wednesday May 3, 2017 was the day to report to the MTC.  

 Our last meal as a family, for a while anyways.

 All I can say was this was a lot harder than I thought it was going to be.  I know it is where he is supposed to be and there is no other place I would rather have him, but it is a hard thing letting your child leave.  It is comforting to know that he is so happy.  I may be full of tears but he is full of smiles.

With in the first hour I had this from him:

So I'm here, they gave me a bunch of stuff and a nifty little name tag then told me to watch videos and email you guys.  So I made it!
Love Elder Harding