Set Apart and Flight to Brasil

It's been a while since we posted an update. A lot has happened since I last wrote. Elder Summerhays continued working to earn money to support himself. A big "Thank you" to Maple Valley Electric (Brian Elerick) and Ken Millard for providing work opportunities. We regularly checked off items from our To Do list and he continued preparing himself spiritually, attending the temple a number of times. He even had the opportunity to perform baptisms with the YM and YW and was able to baptize Taylor.

It has been a busy couple of weeks. We were finally able to hold Camerons Eagle Court of Honor; he prepared for and delivered a great talk; we had an open house, etc etc. etc. Thanks to all who supported us and helped us with food, music (Sister Catron, Thank you!) and just all the support in general.

Elder Summerhays was set apart Monday evening, March 3, by President Thomas Nead. I was asked to stand in as our friend and former bishop set him apart and pronounced a very nice blessing. All the kids were with us as was Grandma Summerhays. We received visits by many well wishers over the last couple of days. It was fun seeing friends wishing each other well as they hugged and said goodbye.

The emotions in our family really started flowing this morning as we woke at prepared to leave for the airport. I was able to get through a fathers blessing only losing about a gallon of saline and it just went down hill from there. We recovered in time to get our Elder to the aiport exactly two hours prior to departure. Luckily it was a quiet day at the airport and we were able to spend some more time with him before sending him through security. More tears from all. I'm sure you won't want to see all of that, but I will add some pictures to the blog as soon as I can. He's probably reading all the letters from his family and friends that you wrote at our request. We received about 15 letters and he was very surprised when Tamara delivered the letters and told him what you all had done. Thank you all for taking the time to do this. It's late and our Elder is probably 3/4 of the way to Sao Paulo now. We're hoping to hear from him or the MTC tomorrow with confirmation of his safe arrival. More to follow soon.


With love,

Vince

3/9 Update:
We received an email from Sister Woodward, the MTC mission presidents wife, letting us know that Elder Summerhays arrived safely and that he is in good hands. She provided an updated mailing address which is now listed above in the "Welcome" section of the blog. We should be receiving our first email from him on Tuesday or Wednesday.