An update: My little brother, the missionary!

Stephen finally made it to the MTC and I got to take him there! (For the back story, click here.) He flew into Salt Lake City on March 2, I picked it up, and we went shoe shopping, got lunch, and I drove him down to Provo to drop him off. It was pretty funny to see people's reactions at an elder hanging out alone with a girl, though we tried to make it obvious that I was his big sister :) It was really fun for me to visit the MTC again, and since we arrived a little later in the day and he had already been serving, I got to go inside for a bit. Good times!!

A few weeks later, Stephen made it to his first area, Riverton, UT, and last week I got to take him to lunch (his mission president is fine with sibling visits as long as it's in his area and under an hour). He is still as happy as ever to be serving the Lord, and his trainer seems to be a great match for him. It is truly amazing what love and dedication these young men have, even though they are still silly boys.

I continue to be amazed with every visit and email from Stephen. He is so dedicated, so humble, so mature, and he has this incredibly positive perspective on life, service, the gospel of Jesus Christ, and good ol' hard work. What an inspiration!!