Getting to the MTC On Time

Elder Ames in SLC




















Elder Ames & Dad at airport
















Elder Ames & Mom at airport



























Elder Ames outside the MTC, ready to go in!


Elder Connor Ames reported to the MTC to begin his mission to Lansing, MI at the duly appointed time, but with last minute change of plans. Dad was the designated parental unit assigned to drop off Elder Ames to the MTC on January 20, but due to an onset of acute pain cause by a kidney stone, the anticipated 6:30 Monday morning flight was hastily canceled and Elder Ames spent his morning in the Emergency Room at Saint Agnes Hospital.

After receiving a shot of morphine to dull the pain, Dad was taken home and put to bed and Mom jumped on the internet to determine what last minute flight could be obtained to get her and Elder Ames to Utah in record speed.

A second set of tickets were purchased for a 6:30 a.m. Tuesday flight and after waking, and finding no one in pain, Dad drove the travelers to the airport for the Utah flight.

Tuesday afternoon found the two in Mr. Mac seeking to obtain a winter boot that would be warm, yet stylish enough to wear with a suit. Boot obtained! The rest of the day was spent picking up last minute odds and ends as they drove around all the miscellaneous road hazards from multiple construction areas in downtown SLC. The evening ended with dinner at a Brazillian steakhouse where Elder Ames could eat his fill of many different kinds of meat.

The next morning's breakfast continued the beef theme with t-bone steak and eggs at Ihop. The duo traveled to Provo in a very large (is there any other kind?) Suburban, missing only one highway exchange and arrived in time to visit University Mall and Mr. Mac's to obtain, yet another, last minute needed item.

A drive by of the MTC took place and upon finding the location quite easily, the twosome headed to Zapada's for soup and sandwich. Finally, the drop off time arrived! Down the long driveway to the MTC the Suburban flew, skidding to a stop alongside the curb under the direction of multiple Elders. Elder Ames was greeted by enthusiastic Elders who helped with getting his luggage out of the back of the 'burb. Mom snapped a couple of pics for Facebook and blogging purposes, a hug was exchange (with Mom pointing out her dry eyes) and Elder Ames was whisked off by his fellow compatriots. Task completed Mom drove off recognizing for the first time in 23 years there would be no children waiting for her arrival when she got home and gave a small satisfied sigh.