Leaving to Learn

So this week we sent Lucy off on a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  She left on Tuesday morning and headed for the MTC to learn a new language and get a chance to adjust to missionary life.  She has been pretty worried about this change for a few reasons, but mostly because she has Celiacs Disease.  The food in the MTC could make her sick.  And after talking to her today, it has.  She said that her mission president would be making accommodations for her to have a kitchen and to buy and cook her own food.

The other reason she was pretty worried about this decision is the fact that SHE HAS A BOYFRIEND.  Of two years! 

Ouch.

Now, you need to know that this boyfriend is named Trey.
And that he was baptized last year in November.
And that he also has a mission call.
And he left on Wednesday of this week.  Yes.  The same week that Lucy left.
It was extremely hard for him.  Robert and I keep mentioning about how it isn't by chance that he left right after she did.  It was so hard for him emotionally.  It was hard for Lucy too, but she was able to get on that plane and go for it. 

Now, with that being put out there, we were able to see both of them set apart for their missions.  Those blessings took place within 24 hours of each other.  And they left about 24 hours after each other. 

Here are my thoughts in reflection on these events:

It was very emotional.  And exciting!!  So much about wanting to stay together, not just with each other, but with family and "regular" life.  Not wanting to have to worry about the very obvious challenges that they would have to be facing.  (New language, new countries, health, comfort, sacrifice). 
I got a glimpse of what it had to have been like to leave our Heavenly home to come here for this earthly experience. 
I got the distinct impression that leaving our heavenly home, family, friends and Parents was also very emotional experience. And also very exciting!  And we really, and most likely were wanting to stay, but wanting so much to go!  In both scenarios, what an amazing, happening-only-once experience.  It is truly an emotional roller coaster, full of quick ups and downs and sometimes you want to throw up and get off, but other times the thrill is not something that you can replace!

I got the distinct impression that we knew we wanted to come to this earthly experience.  And the impression that we knew we would be susceptible to pain, anguish, new languages, health issues and more.  And that we saw what our Heavenly Parents have, and that they created a way for us to be able to be able to be like them.  And we knew that it was what we wanted more than anything else and that there would also be amazing experiences here.

A year and a half and two years seems like a long time.
And how about a life time on earth?
But with a perspective in line with what kind of time eternity holds...  could be a very important, very short time.