The Day He Left



Stockton wanted to obey the mission rules since he had been set apart as a missionary the night before.  He woke up at 6:30, showered and did some studying. Breakfast was a leftover cinnamon roll from our traditional Conference morning breakfast. He has always been the best brother to Mason so I was not surprised at all to see that mini hoops made his agenda!



His flight was at 11:05 am so we left the house just before 9:00.  Stockton was talkative and in good spirits even though I imagine he must have been a little nervous.
Checking in.  Nice photo bomb random yawning guy!

It was hard to imagine he could get all of the stuff he needed for 2 years in two 50lb suitcases but they both weighed in at 44lbs!

When we got to security there were quite a few families standing around spending their last precious minutes with their missionaries.  We decided to get a few pictures and then Stockton was ready to go.  He didn't want to linger any longer.  




It's so hard to describe the feelings a mom has when she watches her son walk away for 2 years.  I felt like a piece of my heart was ripped out and it hurt so much.  Yet, at the same time, there is a joy that can not be described.  This is what I raised him to do.  I am so proud of him and his decision to serve.  I will miss him greatly but there is no place I would rather him be at this time in his life.  He walked away as bravely and faithfully as he could.  I tried to do the same!
About an hour after we left the airport, I got the best photo from a stranger.  Once he got to his gate, there was a group of friends just waiting to make the journey with him.  This made me SO happy!  I knew he wasn't alone and I knew he would be ok.  
His 4 hour 45 minute flight from SLC landed in New York where he then had to transfer.  That was a 6 hour 45 minute flight that arrived at 6:55 am the next day in Manchester, England.  At about 3:38 in the morning our time, we received this email:

 Hey guys. I just arrived here at the England MTC safely. There are about 40 of us here and I'm excited. They changed it to where now I am only here 2 weeks instead of 3, so just wanted to let you know. My P day is Tuesday so I guess I will see you in 6 days! Love you. 


~Elder Orchard

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