Tanner Goes to the MTC

We have spent the last several months preparing Tanner for his mission. On Tuesday, the 13th, he was set apart and we took him to the MTC on Wednesday, the 14th. The setting apart was so nice, and was attended by Grandma Pam, Grandpa JP, Aunt Kim, Uncle Stan, Mikey, Kelsey, Heather, Tad, Brinnlee, Addy, Brigham, Tyler, Liz, Isaac, Uncle Brad, Boston, Austin, Pres. Scott Petersen, his counselor Dave Bell, Bishop Chad Webb, and of course the six of us. President Peterson gave him a nice blessing promising him health, the ability to learn quickly, be obedient, follow the leadership, and to be a leader as well. He told him that there would be some discouraging times, but that he would learn to rely on the Lord to find solutions and peace. He also blessed our family that we would be blessed and protected in his absence. I am already feeling the blessings of having a missionary.

On Wednesday, we took Tanner to the MTC. We took pictures and said our goodbyes at the house before leaving as we heard there wasn't a lot of time at the curb where you now drop the missionaries off. The drive down was pleasant, and we conversed as if it was a regular day. When we arrived, we took some pictures of Tanner across the street with the MTC in the background. Then we pulled into the MTC. All it took was arriving, and my tears started to flow. However, as we pulled through, it was hard to be too sad as the current missionaries were directing traffic and waiting at the curb for the new Elders. We pulled over where instructed, and hopped out of the car to say goodbye. Elder Nuttall greeted Tanner and just happened to be going to Fresno, CA, Mong speaking mission, and instructed Tanner on the MTC handshake (more of an elbow bump to reduce the spreading of germs). Tanner was excited to meet someone who was going to Fresno. We all gave him a final hug, wished him luck, and sent him on his way. The last image in my mind was of Tanner rolling his luggage up the sidewalk with Elder Nuttall. They were already engaged in conversation, and they both looked radiant and happy. We watched until we couldn't see him anymore, and then hopped in the car and drove away. It was kind of funny getting back in the car without him and knowing that we wouldn't see him for a couple of years. However, in typical Petroff fashion, we got in the car, said it wasn't as bad as we thought,, and went to lunch at Brick Oven.

Later that afternoon, I was blessed with a tender mercy regarding Tanner and his choice to be a missionary. I had just finished teaching my final piano lesson when I realized that everyone was out of the house on other activities. Since I didn't want to be alone and sad, I decided to go for a walk. As I walked down Gentile, about 50 yards ahead of me, a young man turned onto Gentile. I was walking behind this young man; the same vantage point as I watched Tanner walk into the MTC. As I got closer to him, I noticed that it was one of Tanner's high school friends. He was slouched over, dressed in black, and smoking a cigarette on his way to work. There was a big contrast between the boy I watched walk into the MTC and the boy I saw walking to work.

At that point, I thanked Heavenly Father for the tender mercy of allowing me to see the difference that good choices make! I realized that I couldn't be too sad, because Tanner was doing exactly what he should and what he knows to be right. Tanner's post high school choices have led him to life as a missionary, and I am so happy that he has used his agency wisely! I'm now rejoicing in the gift of agency, and know that two years will fly by as Tanner serves and blesses the lives of others.