Elder Chad Anderson: Chad's Farewell by Raschelle

Well, Chad is officially in the MTC and I still can't believe MY LITTLE BROTHER'S IN THE MTC! I am so excited for him. He's going to do so much good and we can't wait to see the man he becomes.

Sunday, January 23rd was Chad's farewell at church. A missionary that just returned home spoke first and then my mom spoke. We all thought that she was going to not be able to make it through with out crying. In fact, Chad even said when my mom was saying she needed to finish writing her talk, "how long does it take to write blah, wahhh, bloo (crying)." Too funny! However, she did an amazing job. She made it until the very end to get emotional. We were all so very proud of her. Then my brother and I sang a very "missionariey song" I think it turned out pretty good but I was shaking a ton, trying not to cry. Then chad got up to speak. It was so crazy. Normally I look at Chad as my little brother, always needing help with things, always coming into my room naked, pretending to be batman, cape and all, while I am on the phone with this really cute guy (true story, when he was like 4). But, while looking at him speak, I couldn't be more proud in the man he has become and the man he will becoming serving those searching for the truth in Mexico. He is such an amazing example and I always thought that, but while he was speaking, I KNEW it! He spoke about the things that have helped him prepare for his mission and in my opinion, he is so ready. He called me the night before he entered the MTC and I asked him if he was nervous. He said a little, because of the unknown, but mostly he was "pumped." I know he will do amazing things in Mexico.

On Sunday night, my parents had an open house for him so people could come wish him luck on his mission. There were so many people in my parents house, we probably could have been shut down by the fire department! It was so great to see all the people that love Chad and were so proud of him making the decision to serve a mission. After people started to leave and there were just a few people left that were invited to stay during, Chad was set apart as a missionary. It was so great and beautiful. My dad jokes that he wasn't calm until Chad was blessed with safety because he knew my mom wouldn't be calm until she heard it too! It was so spiritual and sacred.

After everyone left, we stayed up for a little longer and finished packing and then we were off to bed! Such a long but wonderful day!

Monday morning, Chad got up early and went to work out with with his "companion, my dad" and then came back. We all went to eat breakfast and had a wonderful time laughing and reminiscing. It was so great to be together as a family. We finally had to get home, finish packing and finalize everything.

Finally we HAD to head off to the airport and Chad was very quiet and contemplative, I think we were all freaking out!!!

We walked very slowly through the airport to the check-in counter, only to find out that Chad bags were both 57 pounds and they were going to charge us $200.00 extra dollars. Luckily my mom is a very smart lady and she packed an extra bag and we were able to stuff 15 pounds into it and check the rest. We were all trying to stall, trying to delay the inevitable. Finally it was time to say our "see ya laters." My mom began, I don't think she planned on losing it, but she did. Chad was so sweet. He just hugged her and smiled. He went down the line hugging the family, we all kind of lost it, including me. He was starting to get choked up too. He kept saying, "be a man, I'm a man." He's so cute! We watched him as he walked through security, until he was completely gone from our sight. It was emotional, but so great. My mom said, " you raise your boys to get to the point that they are ready to serve a mission and then when they do, it's hard to let them go." I just try to remind her that we wouldn't want him anywhere else.

Chad left on a Monday but didn't need to report to the MTC until Wednesday so he was able to relax and we were able to hear from him again before he entered the MTC.

I can not say enough how proud we all are of him. He is an amazing person and I learn that more and more everyday. We can't wait to hear how he is progressing through his letters! We love him so much and know the people of Mexico will too. He is such a fun and loving person. Chad is a missionary, a servant to the Lord! A missionary is someone who leaves their family for a short time so others can be with theirs for ETERNITY! We will gladly miss him so others can come unto Christ through him.
We love you Elder Anderson!