Elder Mecham in Guatemala: And he is off...

Today we said goodbye to Bret! The past few weeks have been and emotional roller-coaster for us as our little family and the families of our good friends have experienced so much change. Just a month ago sweet Quicny Ellsworth returned from her Korean mission. Three weeks ago today we welcomed Bret's brother Joey home from his mission in England. Yesterday, our dear Mary Moody returned form Hong Kong and, after a long wait, we also welcomed Zach and Bailey Ellsworth Olsen's daughter to the world! These days are what we call pay days. Since Bret was a small child our three families have been woven together through good and bad times. He walked to school every day with his siblings and the Ellsworth and Moody children. Bailey (the new mother) spent many Friday nights babysitting all of the kids in all three families (one baby will be nothing for her). Father son trips to BYU camps were made in our Great White Whale. Disneyland adventures and other vacations with the three families peppered Bret's childhood. Through the years of his childhood and youth, most of Bret's memories of school, church and neighborhood life include these people who have become so much more than friends. It is wonderful that Bret now sets off to teach people of the joy and happiness that can be found in living a Gospel centered life. He knows it is true and has shared powerful testimony of his love of missionary work with us. Bret will bring many to know Christ.

Tuesday night after Bret was set apart we came home and enjoyed our last night with him. Bret and Doug played one last chess game.

Bret was the winner!

Following chess we packed up Bret's Title of Liberty. He plans to have all of his companions sign it!

After he was packed up, and it was time for all of us to go to bed I heard Joey and Bret quietly talking and laughing. Just like when they were little boys in their bunk beds. Made me want to cry!

I got up early and made Bret his favorite breakfast. (Extra Bacon) Bret requested these sandwiches most mornings before seminary.

Then it was time to say goodbye to his favorite friend.

Frost will miss Bret.

Off to the airport at 6 AM.

The long walk!

Bret's plane to SLC was on time and he was ready to go! He said a final good bye to Joey, Jenna, Susan's husband Mike and I before going through security. Susan and Doug were able to go to the gate to see him off. Bret was very calm and didn't seem the least bit nervous. At 10:20 he arrived in SLC where Millie was waiting to take him to the MTC. Originally Bret had been scheduled to fly directly to the Guatemala CCM (MTC) but because of some visa issues he will spend some time in Provo. This gave Millie the unique opportunity to be able to drive her brother to the MTC. When they got there she said Bret was all smiles. The host Elder who came out to greet Bret asked if he could snap a few photos. As Millie and bret flung their arms around each other, the host Elder said, "Wait! She is your sister, right?" Millie said they all had a good laugh as he snapped this photo.