the MTC

Today, a threesome left the home but only two returned.
Sister Rowley will spend the next three weeks
training and preparing to serve the world in Washington DC.
Her setting apart on Tuesday night was meaningful and powerful.
It was personal and shared with close family and a few friends.

Wednesday morning was peaceful.
We ate breakfast together as a family,
sent little sister back to Idaho for school,
and packed her bags: two suitcases and a carry-on…
filled with everything she needs for the next 18 months.
Lunch together was a must.
Customary pre-drop-off photos too.
(I forgot my camera, so Instax and cell phone sufficed.)

Before we knew it 1:30 arrived.
I can’t remember a time when a morning passed so quickly.
It all happened so fast.
We drove up to the curb, pulled out her luggage,
and before we knew it,
goodbyes were said,
hugs were exchanged
and all of a sudden…
she was gone.