My little brother is on a mission! I never thought the day would come, but it's here! He entered the Missionary Training Center on Wednesday March 11, 2009. Talk about an emotional adventure! I'll get into that later, but first thing is first...the farewell talk. Jeff spoke in church on Sunday March 8, 2009 and did a beautiful job. There were many friends and family members there to support him. Then, we headed over the parent's house for some food!
Andrew, Jeff, Hillary, and Amanda
Britlee(niece), Emily(cousin's child), and Caymen (another cousin's child)
Grandpa Arko, Aunt Charlene, and Uncle Lou
The Most Important women in Jeff's lifeAmy, Charlene (Mom), Ann (family friend)
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Oh wait, I fogot one...Britlee
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Ben and I came home after the festivities that day just to turn around and head back down after work on Tuesday. Jeff, I mean Elder Arko, was set apart that evening. Then after a good night's sleep for all (ha, yeah right) it was on to the MTC the next morning. However, not before a hardy meal that is. We all met at IHOP for Elder Arko's final meal before leaving us for 2 years and it was delish! Unfortunately Cindi's husband, Dave, wasn't able to join us, but everyone else was there.
Jen, and Cindi
Oh wait, I fogot one...Britlee
Ben and I came home after the festivities that day just to turn around and head back down after work on Tuesday. Jeff, I mean Elder Arko, was set apart that evening. Then after a good night's sleep for all (ha, yeah right) it was on to the MTC the next morning. However, not before a hardy meal that is. We all met at IHOP for Elder Arko's final meal before leaving us for 2 years and it was delish! Unfortunately Cindi's husband, Dave, wasn't able to join us, but everyone else was there.
Elder Arko, his Mama, and his Daddy
Ben, Me, and Elder Arko
Cindi and Britlee
Zen, Elder Arko, Amy, and Britlee 
Then, it was off to the Missionary Training Center!
Now, I'm not trying to be rude, but I think the whole "saying goodbye at the MTC thing" is set up to be so dramatic that there's nothing to do, but cry. If any of you have been through this you know what I'm talking about. Let's put everyone in a huge room together, sing songs like "Called To Serve", watch a video of former MTC experiences where everyone is crying and hugging, and then say to everyone, "okay, it's time to say your goodbyes" before the missionaries exit out the doors marked "Missionary Exit" while you get to leave out the door marked "Family Exit". Are you serious?! What female wouldn't cry in a situation like that? I'm not saying I'm not grateful for the opportunity to go there with him because it was an amazing experience, but good grief, I'm not made of steel!
I lost it before we even got into that formerly mentioned big room when Jeff came over and told my Mom to put his first name tag on him...I actually started crying while taking this picture. 
Anyway, it was amazing, sad, emotional, and almost every other feeling I've ever felt all at the same time. The point is I'm very proud of my brother for making the decision to serve a mission and I know that He and my family will be blessed tremendously for it. I really look up to him and know that he will be amazing at serving the people of Stockholm, Sweden. After he learns the complicated language, that is.
Here's his fist name tag...in Swedish of course
Good luck Aldste Arko! We LOVE you and can't wait for your return in 2 years!
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8 comments:
isn't saying goodbye to a little brother the saddest thing ever?! elder arko looks so excited to serve. what a cute kid, too!
don't worry... I just started CRYING as I read that post! It could be because I am 8 months prego... or it could be because I have been to the MTC 4 times to send my siblings off---- 3 brothers and 1 sister! And I agree, it is TOTALLY set up for you to bawl- no matter what! I kept thinking it was going to get easier, but NOOOOO... First time I went I was 14... and then my sister left a year ago, and I cried HARDER then I ever had. Oh gosh, I am still tearful as I write this. haha I'm not jokin :) Your little bro is so cute, you guys look A LOT alike! Glad you were able to spend a little time with him before he left... And I still can't believe you guys leave in like 2 weeks.. crap, I don't know if you'll get to meet this little boy of mine before you leave! Maybe.. you never know! Where are you guys storing your stuff when your gone? When is your last day of work? Lets do lunch before you leave PLEASE
I have never been to the MTC to drop someone off, but it doesn't sound like I want to! LOL When are you guys leaving? My dad is dating someone that is LDS. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she will show him the light. ;-) Keep your fingers crossed for me! Miss ya!
oh I can't believe he is gone....(tear) ok now to you....So emotional = pregnancy? Are you?!? LOL I forget I funny I am sometimes:)
no worries... 2 years will fly by! There are great things like email that have made the communication so much easier! P.S. Courtney looks dang cute in her piture! I hate her :)j/K
you had me in tears just readin this!!!
I guess this is one thing I get left out of with having no brothers...He looks like he will be a GREAT missionary and will be able to bless the lives of so many people. At the rate this year has flown, the two years should go by a lot faster than you think.
Maybe I'll be around in two years.... :)
I remember when my little brother left, I HATED the MTC. Ya i bawled like he was dying or something. but here's the good news, after about 6 months out, time FLIES!
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