Farewell and Farewell

Andrew spoke in church on July 30, 2017. He did an amazing job! His talk was funny, spiritual, interesting and extremely well done. He has always been a good speaker. He never gets nervous! What a great trait for a missionary, right?

We were inundated with visitors after church, which made me so happy for Andrew! I think our entire YW/YM skipped church to come - ha! I wish I had gotten pictures of everyone here, but I was so busy with refreshments and visiting, I didn't get around to snapping ANY photos until we had a break in between our post-sacrament meeting and post-church blocks visitors. 

Andrew has worked at Swig for the last year and loves it! So, it was only fitting to do a drink bar for his open house. It was so fun, and Andrew loved mixing custom drinks for anyone willing to try them!

Lots of cookies!

The next couple of weeks were spent with the farewells of the other kind - the hard kind. Everyone is thrilled that Andrew is serving a mission and EVERYONE comments that he'll be an incredible missionary (I realize everyone says this about every missionary... but Andrew has always been so outgoing and fun). It's still hard to say goodbye to him. He is such a huge part of our home. His HUGE personality will be missed every single day.

Saying goodbye to Derek

Grandma Orgill

 I failed again on photos... I didn't even think to get photos of him saying goodbye to everyone else. Too busy crying, I guess.

Tuesday, August 8 at 9pm, President Heninger came to our house to set Andrew apart as a missionary. His blessing was AMAZING. The spirit was so strong in our home, and it filled all of us with such happiness and peace. Bishop Vera also came that night and gave Andrew a very nice blessing after President Heninger left.

Aidan brought home an unused mission badge and the bishop said he didn't see any reason Andrew couldn't wear it. So cool!

Rob and Aidan goofing off after the setting apart. Love these guys

My DARLING missionary!

The next morning, while we waiting for the time for Andrew to go to the MTC, they all hung out in my bed. Love having all four of my kids together.

All ready to go.

 Andrew had decided that he wanted to go and say goodbye to his Dad's family in the morning, then go to lunch with our family, then have Aidan drop him at the MTC. It ended up being the perfect plan and I was glad Andrew had the day go as he wanted it.

This little girl has been Andrew's shadow for the last two years and LOVES him so much. She will miss him, but I'm so glad she has him as an example.

Andrew took each of us outside separately and talked to us and told us what he loved about us. He is the sweetest kid ever.

Cole and Andrew

Andrew and Cole doing their "monkey/koala hug"

Oh, this poor little sister... they will miss each other so much

So grateful for this guy in Andrew's life - I couldn't ask for a better stepdad or role model for him

Brothers

Saying goodbye - oh, my heart

Farewell, Elder Baller. Until we see you again! We love you so much! Make each day count!