Te Fuiste, Hermano, A Servir el Señor

Hermanito,
Today you left on your mission. You're giving two years to God because you love Him and you want to help His children. AND BECAUSE YOU'RE INCREDIBLY BRAVE.
As we piled up with you by the baggage drop off in the airport, Mom, Dad, Tyler, Austin, Corey, Charlie and I--I couldn't help but remember how exciting, how terrifying, how surreal, how butterfly-filled everything felt for me when I left for Argentina for my own mission five years ago.
I remember how I hugged you that morning, before the MTC, how I hugged you and all the boys, and then Mom and Dad last of all. I was worried, but I knew you'd all be OK because you'd have each other to look after. I knew I'd be okay because I trusted God and I had total confidence He'd take care of me.
What a journey that was! And at times, how I miss it... how I rejoice in it... How I thank God for each and every day he gave me those 18 months.
And here I am on the other end, watching you walk into the security line after a brief side hug, and realizing I'm the one left here with the rest of the family while you go off into the unknown this time... and I don't know the people you'll be around and none of the fam will be there with you... and I have to trust God all over again, but this time in a different way. I already know that He takes care of me. I trust now that, in His perfect paternal care, you're in divine hands.
It was a somber ride home.
But we couldn't be prouder.
Love you, miss you already JPopsicle, TE AMAMOS, HASTA VER,
Mik

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