Airport Arrival, Porter's Place and the Provo City Center Temple

Elder Echols' sister, Kayla, and his Grandpa Larson, as well as his friend Susanna Buss, met him at the Salt Lake City airport on Tuesday, August 16th, and then took him to Porter's Place in Lehi for some much needed lunch. Thanks to Kayla for taking such wonderful pictures!

Susanna Buss and Elder Echols shaking hands, with Ryan's Grandpa Larson nearby.

Getting the luggage

Heading to the Car

Kayla, Elder Echols, and Grandpa Larson

Porter's Place in Lehi, UT has always been a favorite place to eat, especially since we used to live in Lehi before Ryan was born. We often go there when we visit Utah as a family, so it was nice that Elder Echols got to go there on his last day before entering the MTC.

 Elder Echols also got to attend an endowment session at the Provo City Center Temple that day! Here is a picture of him with his Grandpa Larson and Grandma Echols right outside the temple wall.

Grandma Echols took Kayla and Ryan to dinner that night and Ryan got to stay the night at Grandma's house so he could spend a few hours with her.

Saying Goodbye to Elder Echols at the Airport

On Tuesday morning, August 16th, 2016, Elder Echols flew from Cincinnati to SLC in preparation to enter the Provo MTC the next day. Saying goodbye was hard, but we are so proud of our missionary!

Elder Echols and his dad, Kyle Echols

Elder Echols and his mom, Rachel Echols

All three of us

We took a few pictures of Ryan waving goodbye and going through security. Ryan's sister Kayla and his Grandpa Larson met him at the airport in SLC.

Being Set Apart as a Full-Time Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Well, it's official! On Monday, August 15th, at 7:30pm, we went to President Bradley's home where Ryan was officially set apart as a full-time missionary! Kyle got to assist President Bradley. We were fortunate that Trevor was able to accompany us as well. It was a very special experience, and Ryan later said that he felt the spirit confirm to him that he is doing what God wants him to do at this time in his life. President Bradley gave Ryan some really good advice for his mission. He encouraged Ryan to be completely obedient in all things, to work hard, and be happy. He also encouraged Ryan to write letters home so his family can know how he is doing.

Rachel, Elder Echols, and Kyle at President Bradley's home

President Bradley and Elder Ryan Echols

After we left President Bradley's house, we headed to Red Robin for a later dinner. The boys enjoyed each others company and some really good food.

Trevor and Elder Echols at Red Robin

We are excited for Trevor, as he will be set apart as a missionary in about three weeks, and will be serving in the Utah Salt Lake City South mission. He will be in the Provo MTC while Ryan is there!

Last Pre-Mission Get-Togethers with Friends

On Thursday August 4th, 2016, our family got together with the Ralph family so Ryan could spend time with Zachary, Caitlyn, and Lindsay and Josh. Zachary was heading off to EFY at BYU-Idaho once the weekend came, and he wasn't returning until after Ryan needed to fly out to SLC on his way to the MTC, so we felt it was important to spend some time together. We met at Plain Folk Cafe for dinner and some live music, then we went for a short scenic drive and then stopped for ice cream.

Lindsay, Caitlyn, Joshua, Zachary, and Ryan at Plain Folk Cafe

Ryan and Zachary at the ice cream shop, enjoying their friendship

The Ralph and Echols Families enjoying an ice cream treat

A few weeks later, on Ryan's last Sunday in Cincinnati, we had the Peterson family and the Little Miami Ward Elders over for dinner. In addition, Ryan's friend, Marisa Lonske was able to join us! We had cheesy chicken enchiladas, a yummy green salad (Thanks Terry!), watermelon, grilled chicken, chips and dip, green beans, and a mint-oreo layered dessert. The missionaries gave us a wonderful lesson on following the spirit, and we had a wonderful time. We are so thankful for wonderful friends!

Jared, Terry, and Kyle, plus Elder Klingler, who is from Kyle's mom's ward in Orem, Utah

Trevor, Ryan, Marisa, Elder Mofoa, Alec, and Danielle enjoying dinner

Ryan, Trevor, and the Elders during our evening lesson

Visit to the beautiful Indianapolis Temple

On Saturday, August 6, 2016, Kyle, Rachel, and Ryan went to the Indianapolis Temple with Jared and Trevor Peterson to do an endowment session. This temple has such beautiful and ornate furniture, woodwork, and decorations inside. During the session, light streamed through the stained glass windows, which have round glass pieces with prisms on the surface, and it cast mini rainbows throughout the room. One of the rooms has beautiful murals painted on the walls with trees, flowers, and animal life. It was a really neat experience to go and enjoy the peaceful feeling there and the beauty all around.

After our session we stopped at a restaurant for Chinese food before heading home.

Trevor and Ryan in front of the Indianapolis Temple. This is Trevor's "superhero" pose!

Beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubs surround the temple.

Jared, Trevor, Ryan, and Rachel. (Kyle was behind the camera)

With Zachary Ralph at the Columbus Temple!

Zachary Ralph finally got his mission call, after waiting for 4 months! 5 days after his call arrived, he was in the temple to receive his endowment, and Trevor and I got to go with him. Both Trevor and Zachary were called to the Salt Lake City South mission, and report to the Provo MTC on September 7th.

My mom bought matching ties for Zachary, Trevor, and me! It was Zachary's special day, so he got to open them. We all wore them to church the next day too.

Social Media Splits with the Little Miami Ward Elders

On Saturday July 23rd: Hung out with the missionaries a bit today (Elder Brown and Elder Schneider). Getting some practice before I become one and enter the MTC in 25 days. Cool dudes, doing good stuff, bringing Christ into people's lives.
‪#‎shareGoodness‬ ‪#‎ohioCincinnatiMission‬ ‪#‎socialMediaSplit‬ ‪#‎Mormon‬