Kyler Hendrickson was set a part as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on August 24th, 2010 @ 7:20 p.m. by his stake president, President Philip Hadfield. He left for the Buenos Aires, Argentina MTC on August 25th. He will be at the MTC for 9 weeks before he sets off for the Uruguay, Montevideo West Mission.
The morning he left was a busy one--packing and unpacking to stay within the weight restrictions of 50 lbs per bag. A quick trip to UPS to get a final weight--the biggest suitcase weight 49 lbs--SUCCESS!!
Since it was the first day of school for his brother and sisters, we took first-day, last-day pictures with each of them except Kira. She had already left for Snow College but was able to call between classes to say her goodbyes.
Kyler was pretty quiet on the way to the airport. It is tough to balance the excitement and the anticipation of this new experience. Kyler's biggest worries were for all of his friends (and family) and what would happen with them while he was gone. We had a wonderful talk Sunday night after his farewell gathering about his concerns. He really loves his friends! That will be a great asset to him as he meets more friends in Uruguay.
When we got to the airport to check Kyler in, the desk told us that his flight was delayed for 45 minutes so he would only have 30 minutes to catch his connection in Dallas. (Have you ever been to the Dallas airport? IT IS HUGE!) I could see a little concern in his eyes...I hope he didn't see it in mine!
As we walked across the airport to find a place to sit and visit for the welcomed 45 extra minutes, Kyler spotted another young man in a suit and missionary badge. He asked him if he was leaving today--Yes. When is your flight?--It has been delayed so we leave at 3:15. Are you going to the MTC in Argentina?--Yes. What mission are you going to?--Uruguay, Montevideo West! A companion!!! Thank you, Heavenly Father! (Tender Mercy #1)
We spent the next few minutes meeting Elder Shaw and his family from Draper, UT. At least now, if they missed their flight in Dallas, he wouldn't be alone. I think that was a relief for Kyler. We took pictures--hopefully, if I can figure out this blog stuff, I can post them for all to see.
When it was time for the final good-byes at the security line, one of our neighbors, Rick Tuttle, walked up and asked if Kyler was leaving. When he said yes, Rick said, "I'm flying out right now as well, so we can go through security together." (Tender Mercy #2!)
At security, it was taking quite awhile (I'm not complaining) for Kyler to get checked through because his bag was so tightly packed that the technician couldn't see everything through the x-ray machine. Hey--it was necessary! When the trip is going to last 2 years and you have a weight restriction for the checked bags, but not the carry-on...you do what you have to do!
The trip home was silent all except for the moment when Kaden fulfilled his duty of delivering Gracias notes from Kyler to his father and I. A few more tears...a glance out the window...and a confirmation that Kyler is going to be a great missionary!
