Peter calls from airport

We had a pleasant surprise this morning at 7:15.  Peter was on the phone.  His flight was to leave at 8:30.  He sounded so good, happy, confident, and ready to get to work.  He loved the MTC.  He said it was almost like leaving home again.  He had gotten to know a lot of the missionaries as Zone leader and a lot of them he would most likely never see again.  He has seen a lot of missionaries from Manti including Shandi and Marcus.  He also talked with Fale and Whitney.  He met our Elder Drew's little brother in the MTC who is going to Boise, ID.  He also met Elder Savage whose bishop is Heber Henke (I think they share their room with him).  Small world with instant connections.  At the MTC they have to wear a suit every day.  He only took one suit so he has worn the same suit every day for nearly 4 weeks.  It will be good to get to Florida and break out the slacks.  The time of training has gone so fast, has been so fun and he feels like they "have been going hard all the time".  His companion has been Elder Willey who has been amazing.  They are traveling together. He is traveling with 6 elders, going through Atlanta and will be met by their mission president when they arrive.  He should be in his new area teaching by tomorrow.  I'm hoping for some pictures of the MTC.  He said they took a lot of them as they said good-bye.  He ran out of phone time so we had an abrupt end to our call but will look forward to our call at Christmas.

I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to have been given a son who so valiantly desires to do his duty, fulfill his mission, and serve the Lord.  This poem was shared on missionary moms.  I feel like Peter has been an incredible gift to me and keeps bringing me such joy.

A Missionary Mom Christmas (author unknown)

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving. The thrill just wasn't there.
No pictures taken with Santa Claus, My decorating has no flair.
His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties, two suits and socks...no fun.
I've bought him all white clothes because...

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I've spent more time in the temple, my testimony stirred.
I've reread November's Ensign, Felt strength come from His words.
Our family prays more frequently. My tears are quick to run.
Abraham seems closer because,

This year I'm giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers, gave their sons to war?
Or how the pioneers chose Zion , their sacrifice was so much more.
My loss will be his presence, I'll miss his smile a ton
For two years we will pray for him,

I'm giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he's not looking. I memorize his eyes, their
shine. He's always hungered for the part of him, that makes his soul divine.
The stories and lessons he always heard, His choice and mine are one.
I'll put my faith in God's hand, This year,

I'm giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter; I think I finally understand
Christ's birth should be celebrated by giving Him a hand.
It's because I know Christ lives and reigns;  that all his packing's done.
My gift has taken years to make, This year...

I'm giving Christ my son.

I know there's One who understands, the sacrifice I'm making.
Who knows the gift I willingly give, The toll it will be taking.
For He has done it all before... Greater love - there could be none.
For years ago God gave to me,

His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, The hands I taught to pray;
Now knock on doors to find the ones Who will listen to what he'll say.
Because I know Christ needs him, Until all the gathering's done,
My gift has taken years to make.

This year...I'm giving Christ my son.