Wednesday, August 8,  Elder Tait entered the MTC to begin his missionary service for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He will be serving in the Canada, Halifax mission. We are so excited for him, but it was an extra hard day. Saying goodbye is so hard, and even after doing the same thing with Chelsey and Lindsey, it doesn't get any easier. I think it was even harder because we knew what was coming. Anxiety and emotions were high with all of us. I can only describe it as miserable joy, the best, worst day ever...a little feeling like your heart is going to break into a million pieces and multiplied because you know exactly what's coming and how hard it is for those few minutes when you have to say goodbye and see you soon and love you so much. It's really the worst day in the world for a little bit, but then you get an email that says "I'm ok, I made it, I'm happy, all the tears have stopped and I'll talk to you soon. That makes everything right in the world again. No doubt about it, that day was tough! So hard to send my baby boy (who grew up too fast), but will always be my little buddy, off on a mission. I'm going to miss him so much - we are all going to miss him so much, but at the same time we are so excited for him and the experiences he will have, the people he will meet and the hearts he can touch. I know there are people waiting to hear the message he has to share, people waiting specifically for him to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ into their lives. What a blessing to have this opportunity. I love the gospel and knowing he is going to share this joy with others makes it a little easier. I am so blessed by his example, his strength and his willingness to serve. He will do great things and we will all be fine. Just had to get the goodbye behind us.

He sent us a message letting us know that his companion is Elder Atkins - from Alaska and his p-day is Saturday. So, more news tomorrow, but in the meantime here is his MTC address and his email...

Conner.tait@myldsmail.net

Elder Conner Stevens Tait
AUG28 CAN-HAL
2005 N. 900 # Unit 89
Provo, UT 84602

I know he would love to hear from you if you want to drop him a note in the mail, or you can go to dearelder.com where you can type a letter that he will receive the same day when he goes to dinner, if you send it before 12:00 p.m. That's kind of a fun way to get mail and you don't have to get a stamp or make a trip to the post office.

That's all for now...back tomorrow after we hear from Elder Tait on his first p-day. Can't wait!!!