In the life of Mr and Mrs. Haynes: Why are goodbyes so hard? Especially for two years

So part of me has this theory. You ready?

People aren't supposed to say goodbye.
At least not to their friends.

I have this idea that friendship connects the heart on a deeper level -that when you say good bye you are ripping out a small piece of the heart that only allows things to bleed. Now get this, you have to say goodbye for two years to nearly all of your male friends who are leaving on missions.

I hate missions. I love missions. I hate missions. I love missions. Inner turmoil!

I had to go through this already when my brother left for his mission. And now I had to go through it again?! And now I have the realization that I will have to go through it again in the future. Missions suck*.

*Not really, but kinda

Kadee, Sierra, Austin, WILLIAM, Mac, Ashley, Me

So this Sunday the opportunity to drive up to Maryland to listen to William's farewell talk that he gave in church. Will reports to the MTC February 11th and he will be serving the Arkansas, Little Rock Mission. There are no words for how proud of this man I am. I have a special place in my heart for missionaries.

So here's the story. Will got his mission call over Christmas break- and all of us girls discussed driving up to Maryland to surprise him for his farewell talk. We kept it a secret for over a month! (A very big feat for 6 college girls!).

We left BV at approximately 5:37AM and arrived at the church building at around 8:40AM. We all proceeded to put on skirts (a 3 hour drive is better in pants) and went inside. The first thing that we see is Austin!! He had told us a couple days before that he wasn't going to be able to make it down... so we got a surprise ourselves!

We sat down in a middle pew and anxiously (seriously, we kept checking the door like every twenty seconds) and approximately four minutes before the meeting was supposed to start- Will walked in! He didn't see us until he was passing our row when he passed Austin. When he looked down the row and realized that we were all there his face lit up! I think he may or may not have gotten a little teary eyed, but all he could keep saying was: "Oh my gosh!" "I can't believe it!" and "I had no idea". We all got hugs and we waited for him to speak.

Let me tell you, the little amount of sleep, and waking up early and driving for three was totally worth it for that moment! I wish that we could go all to the boys' farewells.

Will gave an awesome talk! The people out there in Arkansas (and surrounding areas) are so lucky to receive an awesome missionary. We decided to go out and get lunch and we sat and talked for three hours.

You know how you know that you have a healthy friendship? We go almost two months without speaking and when we see each other we pick up the conversation like we had just seen each other yesterday. Knowing that when they boys get back from their missions that our friendship is going to still be strong helps to ease the ache of two years without them.

I have a certain fondness for those who sacrifice two years of their life to teach others about the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Conner is out on his mission in Ohio. Jake leaves this week for the MTC for his mission in Peru. Austin and Zach are working on their papers. Ashley is planning to leave this year. As much as it tears my heart out for these boys to not be here at SVU- there is no other place I would have them be.

My grandma texted me today saying, "Isn't it great that your friends are honorable and willing to answer a call from the Lord! You run in good circles." I could not have said it better myself. I am so blessed to have these friends- that are such an example to me.

I love the quote "Missionaries are those who leave their family for a short time to help others be with theirs for eternity." I consider you guys family- and I'm glad that you are going to be out giving service to those whom are desperately yearning for the gospel, those who want to know that they can be with their family forever. You guys are seriously inspiring!

Yes, goodbyes are hard.
Yes, missions are good.
Yes, I am going to miss you guys.
Yes, I am super proud.
Yes, Families are forever.
Yes, the gospel is true.
Yes, in two years we will still be here.

Yes, the gospel is true.

And Yes, I cried when we sang "God be With You Til' We Meet Again" today at hymns.