Saying Goodbye......

(cousins saying good-bye)

Last night we said good-bye to Cousin Ben...who left early this morning for the

Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.

Argentina will be is final destination in a few weeks, and for two years he

will offer himself in service. He will learn to love people he doesn't even know, eat food

he has never tasted, and walk the streets of cities he has never even heard of. He is

willing to do all of this because he believes in something greater than himself.

His family has the courage to let him go becasue, they too beleive that the Lord will do more

with their boy in 2 years, than they have done with him in the last 18 years.

As a family, we have taken every opportunity possible to celebrate this great moment with

Cousin Ben. Serving a mission is a great and important thing!

Last night we all gathered to share in the special moment of a young man

becoming a missionary. Advice, love, testimony as well as many tears were shared.

Final hugs and good-byes for family, cousins and friends who have had cousin Ben around

for all of their lives. I loved the words of Uncle Dan, as he pointed out the Uncles who have gone before Cousin Ben as missionaries....and the young cousins to come....and Cousin Ben

the bridge between them both...like and hour glass. We ended the evening with a tasty

Apple Cake....thank goodness for yummy cake to comfort in difficult moments!

We love our Cousin Ben....he will be a great missionary!