MTC to WA - Feb 27 through March 12, 2013

February 27, 2013
Chris reported to the Provo Missionary Training Center (MTC) on February 27, 2013.  He spent 13 days in the MTC.  One of the best treats for Chris was to enter the MTC with his friend Cameron Westenskow.  They were called on the same day to the same mission, entered the MTC together and were roommates while there.  He spent the 13 days learning how to teach people about the LDS Church with several hours in classes each day.

Elder Westenskow and Elder Udall at the Provo MTC

Family pic about 20 minutes before dropping Chris off on Feb. 27

Katy saying goodbye!

Last minute hug for Dad

Final hug before leaving was for Mom

And...he's off!

Side note:  As we arrived at the MTC, we asked the "host" missionaries if they knew Jacob Christensen.  Jacob is a friend from our summers at the Hill Cumorah Pageant in upstate New York.  None of them knew him, but we got word from Chris that just after we pulled away, Elder Christensen found Chris and was his host for the afternoon! 

March 12, 2013
On March 12, 2013, Chris left the MTC for Washington.  At the Salt Lake City Airport, Chris was met by his Uncle Mike Dolan who took the time to wait with him and took some photos for our family.  Mikey also shared his phone with Chris so he could call home and chat for about 8 minutes.  Danny and Stephanie were on the phone too, so we all got to chat for a little bit before Chris went through security.  The line for the pay phones was about 3 people deep at each phone, so we are thankful to Mikey for spending the time with Chris!

Then, when Chris arrived at the gate, he was met by our good friend, Jody, who is a gate agent for Delta.  She took more photos and sent him off with a proxy mom-hug.  Thank goodness for Mikey & Jody so that I (mom) could have a great report and know that Chris was well taken care of.

Chris, in a typical photo!  Taken by his Uncle, Mike Dolan, just before checking bags

Chris with Elder Cameron Westenskow before checking their bags

Using Mike's phone to call us prior to going through security.
Mikey told us that the TSA agent was getting a little frustrated because
Chris wasn't hanging up to show his boarding pass.

Our friend Jody captured this one of Chris with Elder Gonzales (from St. George)
before they got on the flight to Seattle, WA