Elder Travis Maddox: The MTC

July 31, 2013

Well we dropped Travis off at the MTC today, after a crazy morning of packing and lunch at The Pizza Factory, of course. It always seems to be a day filled with mixed emotions; it is such a happy, exciting and anticipated day, yet it is so hard to part, that it is hard not to drag your feet. Travis made a phone call as we drove to say one last goodbye to his cousin Spencer who was leaving the next morning for his mission, it was very sweet. We also received a letter from Caleb their other cousin who is already in the MTC. Caleb said that he was in charge of putting up the different Nation's flags so he was sure to put up the Argentine flag and the Dominican Republic Flag in honor of his cousins. We also heard that Spencer's visa has come through so he will leave for the Dominican MTC tomorrow morning! We were hoping that he might get to go to the Provo MTC with his cousins...But we also found out that Travis will be reporting to the MTC West, the new section that was converted from the Y View Terrace because of over crowding. So the boys wont be at the same MTC anyway. We headed to the MTC West to drop off Travis but decided to swing by the Provo MTC to see the flags that Caleb put up for the boys. But there was so much traffic that we just took the picture from the parking lot next door. When we got to Travis' drop off point, they told us that there was a mix up and we would need to drop off our luggage here but take Travis to the Provo MTC for his orientation. So we drove back to the Provo MTC, through all the traffic and made it to the right drop off area. We were hoping that we could see Caleb as we drove through the parking lot but no luck. It was so sad to say good bye but we did get a minute for pictures so that was great! Travis seemed so excited to begin his new adventure! As we drove off it was hard not to feel the emptiness, especially with all of the open seats in our once packed car. Some times its hard to believe that we have two missionaries out now. Its even harder to believe that our little boys are old enough to be missionaries! Later that after noon, we got some great news...Travis' cousin Caleb was studying in area that the new missionaries come through and found Travis. It was Caleb's P-day so he was able to write us and tell us all about it. Here is part of his letter:

Hey Family!
So to start out my day I was able to see Elder Travis Maddox! I knew where all the missionaries walked through the MTC so I did my study time out there and waited for him! He was nervous but seemed pretty relieved that he saw someone he knew! I began giving him all the ins and outs of the MTC when he told me he was at the West Campus! Darn! what a bummer! I talked to him for about 15 minutes and then took his host's spot and escorted him to orientation. We said goodbye there and some tears were shed. But man was it great to see him! He Looked great! Spencer my man! I heard you got your VISA! Thats awesome man! The Dominican needs you! Not gonna lie though, I was secretly hoping you wouldnt get it so I could see you! but thats alright, I think Ill make it! Just know that I love you man. But more importantly the Heavenly Father loves you Spence. If there is one thing that I have grown a greater understand about, its that. He knows you. He will do his part if you do yours. His grace is sufficient. Pray always. That stuff really works man. I cant wait to hear about the MTC down there! I look forward to some crazy stories! I Love you and will be reppin my tie for you!!
~Elder Reber

What an amazing end to an incredible day! We will miss our sweet boy so much but we look forward as a family to hearing about his incredible two year journey and about his life changing experiences.
~Lisa