The Missionary Training Center

Okay, just a warning that this post contains A LOT of pictures! This took place on Wednesday, March 11 2009. This was the day we took Elder Arko to the MTC. What an emotional day! I think it was an amazing experience to see him "become a missionary" so here it goes. First of all, we decided to have his last supper (or breakfast) at IHOP. We even order some Swedish Crepes to set the mood for all of us...they were yummy although I'm sure that's not exactly how they do it over there :)

The Fam

Elder Arko, his Mom, and his Dad

...and the men being themselves

Ben(brother-in-law), Jen(sister), and Elder Arko

Britlee(niece) and Cindi(sister)

Zen(brother-in-law), Elder Arko, Amy(sister), and Britlee(niece)

Then it was on to Provo. It was really neat to go to the MTC. Zen and Ben were reminded of their missions (that were MANY years ago) while it was a first time experience for me and my sisters.

The whole family (minus Dave) outside the MTC

Then, Elder Arko took his first steps into the MTC...
After we got inside, he was checking in and I saw a woman hand him his name tag. He then started walking towards us with a big grin on his face. I asked him if he got to put his first name tag on and he replied very excitedly, "No, you guys get to put it on me!" He seemed so happy and excited to be there and didn't look nervous at all. He handed my Mom his name tag and then officially became a missionary (well, not really he was set apart the night before, but still, just go with it)

His name tag is, of course, in Swedish and this is what it looks like...
Weird, I know. Well, there are no pictures after this because you can't take pictures anywhere else in the MTC. We were led into a large room where we watched some short videos, heard from his first Mission President and his wife the Relief Society President, sang Called To Serve, and then it happened... "Now is the time to say goodbye to your missionaries" and then the water works came. It seems like most of the females in our family can keep our cool until 1 starts crying...and then we all start crying.

Elder Arko did a lot better than I thought he would, but I could tell it was still pretty hard for him. He looked very eager to get on with his day and learn about how things work in this new place he will call "home" for a few months. We told him how much we love him and will miss him, but also how proud we are of him and couldn't be happier about the decision that he made to serve a mission. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and we can't wait until he returns with honor! WE LOVE YOU Aldste Arko!

Farewell

Jeff's farewell talk was on Sunday March 8th. The night before, we had a gathering for friends and family complete with all the cookies and treats you could ever want! I didn't take any pictures though...sorry! Anyway, it was great for Jeff to be able to chat with everyone in such a casual environment.

Then, after what felt like 30 minutes of sleep (thank you Daylight Savings) we were back in church for his talk at 9am. He did such an amazing job. I could tell he was very nervous, but he doesn't let his nerves get in the way of what he has to say. That's why he's going to be a great missionary! After the talk, we all headed over to the house for some more great food! It was a great weekend filled with family, friends, visiting, and food. What more could a young man want for his last weekend at home?

Grandpa Arko, Aunt Charlene, and Uncle Lou

Andrew, Jeff, Hillary, and Amanda

and now...being themselves

Britlee (Jeff's niece), Emily, and Caymen (cousins' children)

Amy (sister), Charlene (Mom), Ann (family friend), Jen (sister), and Cindi (sister)

And Jeff's favorite female...Britlee

Called to Serve

On October 29, 2008 Jeff received probably the most important document that an 18 year old boy ever receives in the mail...his mission call. It is the document that determines where they will be living for 2 years of their lives and what language they will be learning (if necessary).

It is tradition to have everyone in the family there to watch as you open it and that was the case with Jeff...almost. Those in attendance were as follows: Mom (Charlene), Dad (Allen), Amy (sister), Zen (brother-in-law), Britlee (niece), Dave (brother-in-law), and Amanda (friend). Ben (my husband and Jeff's brother-in-law) and I were on the phone since we live in Logan. Our other sister, Cindi, was at work in a meeting that she couldn't get away from and Jeff couldn't wait any longer so she got a text shortly after it was read.

Elder Arko was called to the Sweden, Stockholm mission and was to report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on Wednesday March 11, 2009. I know you may be asking yourself, "Where exactly is Sweden?" which is exactly what I was asking myself right after I heard the news, so here you go!

Look for the yellow!

Here are also some facts about the country...

Official Name:

Kingdom of Sweden
Konungariket Sverige

Flag:

Coat of Arms:

Motto:

"För Sverige i tiden"

"For Sweden – With the Times"

Capital (and largest city):

Stockholm

59°21′N 18°4′E / 59.35°N 18.067°E / 59.35; 18.067

Moarch:
King Carl XVI Gustaf

Prime Minister:
Fredrik Reinfeldt

Population:
9,234,209

(2008 census)

Density
20/km2 (194th)52/sq mi

Currency:
Swedish krona (SEK)

Time zone:
CET (UTC+1)
Summer (DST)

Date formats
yyyy-mm-dd; also d/m yyyy

Drives on the:
right

So this is what Jeff gets to look forward to! His family wishes him well and our thoughts and prayers will be with him every step of the way.

WE LOVE YOU ELDER ARKO!