November 14, 2012 ~ First Day in the MTC for Austin

Dearest Austin (Elder Robison), Not sure which to call you but I guess you will always be my Austin so I will call you Austin. I hope your 1st day was FANTASTIC! I am sure it was overwhelming and confusing but everything will settle down and then it will feel at home. I am sure the spirit is so strong there. Your brothers were so jealous they both wanted to put their papers in immediately and join you. We are all so proud of your decision to serve the Lord and I know you will be blessed throughout your life for making this decision. When we got home Tia calmed down once we pulled in the driveway. She curled up and sleep on the floor under my feet the whole way home. She definitely knew something was happening. We made it to basketball try-outs 2 minutes before it started. I am not sure how fast dad was driving, however. I started reading Jesus the Christ on my IPad on the way home. I am hoping to finish the book before you get home :) The house is definitely different knowing you are not downstairs in your room but as long as I know where you are and that you are safe I guess I will survive. After we left I decided I needed some ice cream to console me. We went to the BYU dairy and of course they did not have any waffle cones. That really compounded my day! I settled for ice cream in a bowl. It did not really help though - I just gained a bunch of calories and not comfort! Oh well, these 2 years or 4 set of 6 months will go by so fast. Pres. Averett was right - you have so much to do and so little time. I am not sure how this will print out - it might be a big mess when they print it out, but I wanted to try it out and see how it works. We will miss you terribly but we are comforted to know you are in the LORD's service and he will watch out for you. I am anxious to see who your companion is and how your first day went. Remember to take the "Dot" off ASAP :) I sure do LOVE YOU and I am so excited to hear all about your adventures and what the Lord teaches you. Take care and remember we are always praying for you. Hugs and Kisses! Mom