LAST DAYS

( Two years of stuff in only 2 suitcases?? We did it!!!! )

Show me anywhere else on this planet where a 19 year old boy is willing to turn over his life for 2 years and become a tool for his Savior and his fellowman. It’s a joy and wonder to be sure.
The building of a missionary is an impressive thing to behold and to contribute to. So much effort and faith is involved.

( Will he always be a goof ball??? I sure hope so!!!)


There are a LOT of implements required in this ‘construction’ process. Things like Mothers and Fathers, brothers and sisters, grandparents, progenitors, cousins, aunts and uncles. Other ‘tools’- prayers and more prayers; bishops; Sunday school teachers and primary teachers; inspired Stake Presidents, and friends. Then one has to mix a little of this with a LOT of that- faith, circumstance, spirit, courage, a personal witness, inspiration, and even a little peer pressure.

( How about this- somebody thats taller than Elder Clarky!! )

After ‘mixing’ all these things together, along with the many tears and letters, and doctors visits and shopping sprees and prayers, we find ourselves headed to the MTC (missionary training center) A center where 52 languages are taught, where 400-800 missionaries descend each week, where 400 gallons of milk are consumed each day!!




( What's Clark going to miss the most.......?????)


(Beautiful cousins)



MTC statement of purpose:
"In an atmosphere of love, trust, confidence, and respect, we will help missionaries draw nearer to God and develop greater converting power so that more of Heavenly Father’s children will accept the gospel, receive saving ordinances. And come unto Him.”

( Dork dots at the MTC )

There are no words to adequately describe the Spirit of the MTC. 5 minutes within the walls of this remarkable place will inspire anyone with the desire to serve. I always find in myself a real sense of jealousy that Im not able to stay and partake. That Im not going to be able to share the experiences that these fine young men and women will do for 18 months or 2 yrs. I find that I just don’t want to leave. There is nowhere else on earth like it.



There is the dreaded orientation that must be endured. But first there's the long walk down the hall to the large room where those infamous LDS commercials are playing on several Tvs around the room. All the ‘spots’ are about the importance of families. I suppose they are shown in hope of making us feel better about what is about to happen 30 minutes later. I on the other hand wonder……my family is going to split apart yet again, another cherished member is departing to a far off region of the planet. For 2 years!! And I wont be permitted to call or drop by this place or at any time throughout this stint. I am curtailed to the written word and 2 phone calls a year!! “Its about Family; Its about Time.” Be still my heart, be still my negative thoughts. I really do want this for my son. It just hurts so. After the commercial fest, the meeting is call to order and we sing, “Called to Serve” Then the president of the MTC and his wife spend a few moments, telling us what a day in the life a missionary will be like within these walls. Meeting, Meetings, and more Meetings. Classes and more Classes. Temple trips (just across the street) and devotionals with Church leaders, twice a week.

Then its time to say good-bye. They encourage us to use the ‘band-aide’ method. Pull if off quick and get it over with. UGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We, as parents and family are instructed to go through one set of doors and on to the exits, while the missionaries, our sons and daughters, are to go through a different set of doors. Here is where I slip into what I’ve heard called the ‘ugly cry.’ Poor Clark. I cling a little bit. My ‘elder’ rolls his eyes and desires nothing more than to move along. He’s all about do’in it quick!! Hes out the door almost before I know what hits me.

( First instructions)

And his mission is officially underway!! He’ll be spending 12 weeks within these sacred walls. We have already heard from him and sense his comfort at being there.

(Oh those dreaded front doors, there's no turning back now!!)

Once again I find that Im offering up the very best that I have-another son- to the service of the Lord.