Friday, June 1, 2012

Called to Serve: Entering the MTC

Hunter entered the MTC and began his mission on Wednesday, May 30, 2012.

In the words of a friend, it was a day filled with 
EXCRUCIATING JOY.
We are so unbelievably proud of him for his desire, his choice, and his willingness to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. We have no doubt that he will have incredible success. We know that this is where he is supposed to be and that he was called to Roseville, California for a specific reason. We can't wait to see him learn and grow over the next 2 years. We will miss him more than words can express, but we are SO EXCITED for him and wouldn't want him anywhere else! 

We love you so much Hunter!

Here are pictures from the day we took him to the MTC-

Hunter held up this sign as he passed Alex Munns and his family at the crossroads in Tremonton.
Alex was on his way to the MTC as well!

Hunter was greeted with this awesome message as we drove under the Forest St. exit overpass.

Lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. The guys telling him what to expect when he gets to the MTC.

Nervous, but excited!

Walking to the Provo Temple to take pictures and say goodbye...
It was a beautiful day outside.
Families on the left saying goodbye to their missionaries...
Dad stuffed Hunter's suit coat pockets with money when Hunter wasn't looking.
Time to say goodbye see you in 2 years.
Advice from Dad...
Driving into the MTC. Dad kept it light and said to the traffic guide, "Hi, we're looking for Wendy's?" haha!
Hunter saw his buddy Hayden Marsh directing traffic while we were driving in. They talked for just a second as we drove by. Hayden has been there for 6 weeks. Hunts was so excited to run into him!

 Elder Payne's drop-off number. 24= 24 months! We all loved this!


And now we wait for our first letter....!!!
Stay tuned!

Set Apart as a Full-time Missionary

Hunter was set apart as a full-time missionary on May 29th at 8:00pm.

Those in attendance were his Mom & Dad, his siblings- Robert, Lindsay, Tyler, Staci, Katelyn, & Hannah, his nephew Drake, his cousin Whitney, his best friend Derek White, his Grandpa Rose, and his aunts and uncles- Becky, Wayne, and Scott & Christie.

President McMurdie talked with the family and then asked those in the room to say a few words to Hunter if they desired. The spirit was strong as our family sat in that circle and told Hunter of our love for him and bore testimony to him. 

Then, President McMurdie laid his hands on Hunter's head and set him apart as a full-time missionary. He then gave him a beautiful blessing of advice, encouragement, and strength for his mission.

Squeezing in some FUN before the Mission!

Hunter came home from college a month before he left on his mission. He didn't waste any time filling the month of May with any and every event he might possibly miss. It was an exciting, busy, fun-filled month!

*He went on a cruise with his family...
 ...where he celebrated his 19th Birthday!

*He went shooting with his Dad and brother-in-laws. 

*His college friends came to Tremonton the weekend of his farewell- they had a pool party, BBQ, and spent the night at Grandpa's pond.

 *He played with his little buddy

*He hung out with all his best friends from high school


*He took the fam to do the FLOWRIDER in Ogden!

*He kept everyone up late with lots of movies on the deck.

*He spent most everyday with his best friends Whitty and Derek

*He watched all of the Lord of the Rings movies (his favorite movie)

*He visited Grandpa Payne's grave on Memorial Day

*And of course, he (and we) did lots of packing!

The house was full of family and friends the week leading up to his mission. Lots of people coming and going and lots of fun times together! 

Hunter's Farewell

Hunter gave his farewell talk in church on Sunday, May 20th. He did such an amazing job! He spoke with such conviction and excitement about the work he would be doing in the next 2 years. He talked and looked like a missionary while sharing his testimony of the gospel. 

Thank you to all the friends and family who came to celebrate this special day with him!
 
 Payne Family