Drop-off at the MTC!

Welcome to the first installment of "Dear Elder Goodman". We hope to have LOTS of followers over the next two years as Ridge serves in the Guatemala, Guatemala City South Mission.

Yesterday was the big day, folks. AND. . .I have to say that I am a huge fan of curbside drop-offs! I don't know if I could have sat through the presentation that they used to do. Whew - how did those parents do it?!

This was quite different, at least for me. We pulled into the MTC parking lot, where they were directing traffic like it was a Luis-Gonzalez-Diamondbacks event (you know - the ones back in the era when they were WINNING), a nice man gave us a yellow window sticker and directed us to "spot number nine". We drove around the corner where spots 1 thru 10 were mostly filled with crying moms and sweating, puffing dads who were pulling large pieces of luggage out of the backs of Mormon Cadillacs (aka, Yukons). Three or four Elders met us at the curb; one said, "Welcome to the MTC, Elder. . .what is your last name?" and took Ridge's backpack from him. The others grabbed his suitcases and an older gentleman said, "Say goodbye to your son, Mom. Elder, kiss your mom goodbye." We gave hugs, I scolded him in advance in case he doesn't write or email soon/often enough, and he turned and followed the other Elders away.

Yes, I cried. It's just a guess, but I think Dad did too. But all in all, it wasn't so bad. It probably helps that Ridge has been gone from home for a full year at this point. I've been so excited for him ever since that I haven't had a chance to be sad. I can't wait to hear from him.

Here is his address, everyone:

Elder Nicholas Ridge Allen Goodman
MTC Mailbox #123-0825
Guatemala, Guatemala City South Mission
2005 N. 900 E.
Provo, UT 84604-1793

He will love getting letters - write away!