Last Sunday morning we were all running around the house setting up the last minute things for the open house and making sure that we had everything ready to go. We knew that we would be having around 100 or so people in the house that afternoon and we wanted to make sure that they would all have a place to go. As we were getting before the meeting at one, people started coming over to the house. They wanted to make sure that we had what we needed and were just dropping off a little something extra. Everyone of them said something great about Chris and all that he has done for the ward. Everyone of them was happy to be a part of his life and the things that he was doing. It was great to hear and to know that so many people loved and supported my brother in all that he is doing with his life.
At the church family and friends arrived to listen to the words that Chris had to say. His talk went really well and the feeling of the spirit was strong and happy. He did a great job talking about sacrifice and keeping his cool throughout it. Afterwards we all headed over tot he house for some great food and even better company. The house was packed full with people who were there to show there love to Chris and to tell him goodbye. It was an amazing thing to watch all of the people that came to support my brother and our family. We are truly blessed and grateful to all of those who came. It meant a lot to us to have you there and it meant a lot to Chris to be able to see all of you before he left. So thank you for coming!
On Tuesday night Chris was set apart as a Missionary. The stake president and his counsels gave him some great words of advice about staying close to the savior and standing up for what he knows to be right. After he was set apart we went home and started to pack his bags. My mom was worried about all of the stuff fitting into the two suitcases and not being over weight. but being the amazing packer that she is, she was able to get the weight evenly distributed to the two cases. In the end each of them weighed about 45 pounds. And that is with the heavy winter coat and boots in them. Then on Wednesday we took Elder Walker down to the MTC.
I ended up going to class that morning to turn in some papers that were due, but I was able to get away and meet every one for lunch. We all meet at Applebee's at 11 to eat and spend time with Chris before we said goodbye. The food was great but the company was even better. I love spending time with my brother and it was great to eat with him for one last time.
After lunch we headed down to the MTC in Provo. We got down there just in time to take some pictures before we had to drop him off. We all gathered at the park across form the MTC and took our photos with him. Then we walked him across the street and into the MTC parking lot. That was as far as we were allowed to go. From there they had another missionary come over and get Chris. We all gave him our hugs and sent our good luck wishes with him. Then we stood and watched as the two elders went walking into the doors of the MTC. And that was goodbye.
I will miss my brother with all my heart. He is a great guy and an even better friend. But I know that he will do well in the mission field. He cares so much about people and loves to help them succeed. I know that he well love the people that he comes to met and teach throughout the next two years. He will be a great missionary and he will be able to bless the lives of many. And knowing that makes me happier than anything. I am proud to call Elder Walker my brother.
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