Very first mission report from Zach's Grandpa Mumford (thanks for letting me share this, Dad!)
On Tuesday we traveled with Tom and all his family from Bellingham to the Seattle Airport to fly with Zach (Elder Mumford) to Salt Lake prior to entering the MTC on Wednesday at 1:30 PM. Tom and Julia and the boys said their good-byes at the curb, tears were shed, and then they drove off leaving Zach in our care.
We checked our bags and headed for security. After passing thru security, I suggested we order a three piece “fish and chips”
from Ivar's to eat while waiting for our flight. As we walked up to the counter to order, a nice looking gentleman waiting for his order looked at Zach and asked
where his mission was. We began a casual conversation and soon learned we were talking with a member of a Branch Presidency at the MTC in Provo. He actually lives in Lehi and was returning from a two-day business trip in Seattle. His name is Nathan Baker and he was returning to Utah on our same flight. When we had all received our fish and chips, we sat in the waiting area eating and listening to Brother Baker orient Zach on what to expect in the MTC and the daily routine. Zach found this most helpful in lessening his anxieties about what was soon to happen to him. I saw this as a tender mercy to help Zach feel more comfortable going into the unknown.
Then as we boarded our plane, we ended up sitting near the back since we wanted three seats together. As the last passengers boarded, we noticed we were being surrounded by about 10-12 Asians. I finally asked where they were from and they said they were from Korea. We asked where in Korea and they said Seoul. There we were flying to Salt Lake with Koreans in the seats in front of us, behind us, and across from us, all speaking Korean.
I call the first experience a “tender mercy” and do not know what to call the second, (Mom called it an "omen" that Zach will be a great missionary!) but both were amazing to me.
Today we went shopping with Zach prior to entering the MTC. Everywhere we went, Zach was asked where he was going and given great encouragement. He chose “In and Out Burger” for lunch and while there we saw two other missionaries also having their last meal with family.
As we pulled-up to the curb at the MTC, Zach recognized one of the escort missionaries and rolled the window down to shout hello. The Elder got excited and asked if he could go help Zach and was given permission. He followed our car until we parked and helped Zach unload his luggage, barely gave us time to say good-bye, take a quick picture or two, and led him away. Just like that Zach disappeared into a maze of dark suits and handsome young men joining in the army of the Lord “to bring the world His truth.”
It was a sweet experience to spend these last 24 hours with Zach prior to his mission. He is ready, anxious, and willing to work and learn and be the best missionary he can. He will be great.
