Elder Stephenson

The middle of June my family had an incredible opportunity. We were able to host my dear friend Marsha and her missionary son for a few days before he had to go to the MTC in Provo. I hadn't seen either one since I left Alaska in June of 2008; it was a LONG year without my friend.

When Marsha emailed me to ask if they could stay with us I jumped for joy shouting. "Yes!" As if she could here me all the way up in Fairbanks, Alaska, silly me.

Our family enjoyed their company. Even Emma the dog found a new love. It was hard to let them go, but alas Marsha had to get back to the rest of her family and work in Alaska, and Elder Stephenson has important work to do in the Cleveland, Ohio Mission.

Here are some pictures we took the day we dropped him off at the MTC.

That teenager I knew in Alaska has matured into this man his parents are proud to be sending on a mission. The transformation from youth to adulthood is always an amazing one!

Mom and son in front of the Provo, Utah temple. I had to chuckle to myself as I was driving listening to him tell his mom not to cry when they said good-bye. Little did he know that was an impossible task...one day he will understand when he has children of his own.

Marsha and I in front of the Provo Temple...I missed her before I even dropped her off at the airport.

Mom and son at the MTC. We had been warned that due to the new drop policies at the MTC that good-byes would be quick. I will never forget the look on Marsha's face when she was told, "Sister Villalva you have three minutes to say good-bye and take pictures."