Final good-byes and he is OFF...

making sure they made the weight limit

giving one last squeeze to Maggie

Deven got them each an Argentina flag to remenber him by

army of Helaman lined up to greet us





Dev was quite surprised that his dad could lift him up

first thumbs up

and then another thumbs up--even the host gave me one!! I knew then that he will be OK!!

One sad car ride home :-(

Wow, what a day is all I can say!!  The day started out great with all you can eat french toast at Kneaders (a favorite place of Devs) and then home to finish packing.  His arrival time for the mtc was 12:55 p.m.  We left the house around 11:30 and headed to Provo...and ended up at the Provo Temple grounds.  We all got out and took a few pictures and walked around.  There were soo many missionaries there doing the same thing as us, and it helped me to know that they were having the same feelings as we were.  Well, it came time to say our goodbyes and give our last hugs and then some more tears showed up :(  It was hard for me to know what to say because the emotions were so strong, yet I was soo excited for him and this new chapter in his life!! Then we were off to the mtc which is just across the street.  We pulled in and saw all the missionaries in their white shirts--what a sight that was to see--and the minute Dev opened the door they were right there asking him where he was from and where he is going to be serving.  They took his luggage and we gave him a hug and he was off!!  And at that moment I felt half of my heart leave and I knew it wouldn't come back for 2 years!!

First Baptism

Deven had the opportunity to baptize before his mission.  His cute cousin Micah chose Deven to baptize him.  Deven said that was soo cool and he felt very blessed that Micah chose him to do that!  What a neat day that was for me and Deven!! Thanks Micah!!

Farewell..till we meet again

Deven gave an awesome farewell talk today--His topic was following Jesus Christ through word and deed.  He even bore his testimony in spanish, which really surprised me that he knew that much spanish.  He is so ready and very prepared to go out and preach about Christ.  He had a lot of support there with family and friends.  We held an open house after and @200 people showed up!!

I love to see the temple...

Deven got to go through the Draper Temple and take out his endowments today! It was such a wonderful day. He had many family members there to support him. He can't wait to go back and learn more. We are so proud of him and his decision to serve the Lord. What a great example you are to your sisters!!

mission call???

Dear Elder Larisch:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Argentina Mendoza Mission. You will serve for a period of 24 months.
We wish you the best..go forth and serve!!