The Drive Home After the Farewell!

We watched Braun go through security and then watched as he rode the escalator up to then next floor to board the plane. We waited and watched for an update on the airport flight status bill board. We didn't get any new information, so we left for the car. We drove out of the parking area, paid our parking, and started for I-215. We watched for planes taking off. We pulled off to the side of the rode and watched for a few minutes. Suddenly we saw an American Airlines plane take off. It was about five minutes from the departure time of Braun's flight. We quickly grabbed our camera's to try and get a picture. Annalee got the best shot. We watched it so out of sight. We headed on our way. A few minutes later, we got a text message from one of the missionary parents. It was good news. She sent a picture of the five missionaries traveling to Argentina. Later this afternoon, she sent us another text telling us that her daughter packed peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, gold fish, and capri-sun drinks for all the missionaries. I am grateful that Heavenly Father places other people in place to care for all his children.

Braun's Departure

Wednesday, Braun left for his mission today. We needed to stop at the Missionary Mall to pick up Braun's suit coat and rain jacket that had been on back order. We also wanted to stop and get him some snacks and stamps before he left. We had a little rain mixed with some snow in the morning but our travel to Salt Lake was clear sailing. We arrived at the airport in plenty of time for Braun to check his bags and get his boarding pass. We met two of the missionaries that were traveling with Braun to Argentina. We had the opportunity to spend the final hour with Braun. He was a little nervous about leaving. We assured him that he would be fine! I can honestly say it is bitter sweet to have a son go on a mission. I know Braun has prepared himself for serving the Lord. I only cried a little bit. Braun told me that I couldn't cry. I did my best to do as he asked me to. I will treasure that time and I will pray continually that he will be an effective instrument for Our Heavenly Father.

Fun times with Braun as always!!!

Braun's final farewell kiss to Kat! :)

Elder Bowden you are going where? See you in two years! I will look forward to the letters and email.

Our last view Of Braun before he leaves. He made it through security. He had to take off his jacket and his shoes. His carry on bag made it through. We thought it was going to be to heavy. We will watch the flight plan status all through the night. He should arrive in Argentina at 3:30AM our time. 7:30AM in Argentina.

One Day Left before Braun leaves for his mission!

Tuesday, I took the day off from work to spend the day with Braun. He prepared for his departure. He did his laundry and I helped him get things packed up from His room. Braun had to meet the Stake President to be set apart as a full time missionary at 6:15PM. President Tams set him apart and then Bill, Braun, and I went to the temple. We made it for the last session of the night. It was a small session but, it was good to spend the last night with Braun in the temple. My body was feeling the stress of the whole experience of a Missionary mom. Sleepless nights, worries, and anticipation.

After the temple we went home to pack Braun for what he would live with for the next two years. We were up until about 12:30AM. I just checked things off the list as Braun made sure he got it packed.

Morning came to early as the alarm went off at 5:00AM. It was time to get up and to papers and all I could do is snooze the alarm. I finally got up at 5:25AM, We folded our papers and had scripture and prayer. We had to get things done to make sure we had time to make it to the airport on time.

Departure Day Getting Closer!

Monday, Today was Mr. Luther King Day, so we had the day off from school. I took advantage of the day off and after I took Matt to the dentist we spent the afternoon and early evening in Logan. We made one more trip to the stores to get the little things that we still needed for Braun. We made a point to go to the mall and get some pictures of the kids on the sweet treats. We still needed to get Braun a travel bag for his mission. We went to McDonald's for ice-cream. On last trip to Wal-mart to get some first-aid stuff. I worried that we would forget something that Braun needed for his mission. It was great spending the day with the kids. I looked forward to this day. It gave me time to reflect on the comments that people told me about Braun on Sunday. The Bishop thanked Braun for his leadership and told the ward that he was a great leader. He told of how Braun bore a powerful testimony to the priests in priests quorum. Brother Glover also thanked Braun for his testimony. I just had time to stop and reflect, ponder and enjoy the moment.

Braun's Mission Farewell

Sunday, was an amazing day. I made a trip to the school to take some of the food there before church. I had lots of help from the Family. We all went to ACYI and set up the tables. Ashlee helped me make center pieces. We got the Au jus in the warming pans to the school. I was late to help set up for Primary, But Heather and Krista and Heidi had it all taken care of. Our meetings went by fast and the time arrived for Sacrament Meeting. The chapel was packed. Braun had a lot of people there to support him. He gave a powerful talk and testified with the spirit. After church we went to the school that I teach at and we had a meal with lots of family and friends. Kathrine and her parents came up from Mt. Pleasant. This was the day she basically had to say her good-byes to Braun. I really enjoyed having this time with family and friends. After listening to Braun speak I know he is going to be a great missionary.

Countdown to Braun's Departure!

Last Thursday, I had the opportunity to watch Braun play basketball two times. It was the last time to watch him play any sport for a couple of years. He was the big man on the court when he played with the priests. Then he played with the elders at 9:00PM. I was worried that he would get to upset if lost. However, both Perry 9th ward teams came away with a win. I think Braun was the high scorer for the Priest game and I think he just got in the way for the elders. He did pull down some pretty impressive rebounds. I just wanted to spend as much time with him as I could.
Friday, I didn't spend to much time with him because he went on his last snowboarding trip for two years. He wanted to give Michael a snowboarding trip for Christmas. He took Michael and three other young men with him. It is his tradition to go snowboarding and then stop for Little Caesars Pizza after. This was probably good for me because I had to stay up late and get the Ward History finished for 2010.
Saturday, We all stayed home and cleaned the house and Braun did his laundry. We finished some crafts that I didn't get finished for Christmas, thanks to Braun and Ashlee. We also prepared the food for Braun's farewell.

Missionary Mall Experience

I have approximately 20 days before Braun leaves on his mission. He received his call in September. He will be serving in the Montevideo Uruguay. He has spent the last three moths at Snow College so, we haven't worried to much about getting all the things he needs for his mission. However, we are down to crunch time, we have to get things ready. We are scheduled an appointment for pictures and we need the new suit. We spent one afternoon shopping and we accomplished a lot. I think the shopping was to much for Bill, he spent the afternoon taking a nap on the couch at Missionary mall. I can't believe that he doesn't like shopping.

Braun knew his Christmas presents would be getting the things he needed for his Mission. I am grateful for my son and how he has prepared himself for a mission. He is going to serve the Lord well because he knows how to work and he listens to the spirit. I have had the quiet confirmation that Braun has been called to the place Heavenly Father needs him. I hope he will continue to rely on the Lord to guide and direct him while on his mission. I know all will be well while he is serving the people of Uruguay.