Airport Phone Call

Elder Ryan's Mom here!

The whole Miller Clan had the pleasure of talking to Ryan on the phone this morning for about an hour while he waited to board his plane to Orlando at the Salt Lake airport.

It was great to hear his voice. Hard to explain how he's changed, but he's 100% missionary now, while still being our same Ryan. The best way I can describe it is: he's not "my boy" anymore; he's "my Elder." And he sounds so happy!

Reece and Remington both went to school late with Mom and Dad's blessing, so they could talk right up until Ryan boarded his flight about 8:30 a.m. our time. Scott went in to work late, too. After all, it was the last chance until that Christmas Day phone call.

Everyone got to say his or her piece even Roxy (the cat) meowed at him to feed her breakfast. (The only thing she ever says to anyone, but Ryan was the only one who ever found that endearing.) And Truman (the dog) went on a barking spree when Ryan spoke and whistled to him.

Not much news to share in not quite three weeks. As Dad said, MTC life is sleep, eat, study, and here at home nothing much changes. But Ryan's testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ has certainly grown. He is so excited and enthusiastic to go and find people to share it with.

Ryan mentioned being excited to see his bike (a major investment of his funds). And that he hoped his first companion (who will be his trainer) would be enthusiastic and push him to work hard and like to exercise.

There were 13 Elders and one Sister flying out to Orlando on the same flight, and according to Ryan they were aware of Hurricane Fay and enthusiastic to be able to do some service when they get to Florida.

Elder DeLucchi said "Hi" as he passed the phone. I had "met" his Mother on the Missionary Mom site before our young men entered the MTC (on the same day!). I was so glad that they ended up in the same district and got to be friends. He is in the photos of Ryan's MTC District going to the Temple.

Oh, and Ryan's MTC District was not entirely made up of Elders going to Orlando -- several were headed to Canada. Including Elders Hamilton and Keck, who shared a room with Elder Ryan and his MTC companion Elder Sean Patrick Smith (just love typing out that fine Irish name!).

Well, Elder Ryan should be arriving in Florida soon and the real adventure will begin. Thanks for caring enough to follow along!

~Roni