~Elder Update!~

Okay..... I have sooooo much to update on, but for now.... an Elder Update. As most people know..... brother is gone. He entered the MTC (Missionary Training Center) July 7 to start his training to be an ambassador for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I will try to do an "Elder Update" once a week (that's how often he gets to email)..... at least until mother starts up a blog for him (she will be much better at updating than I will).

Lets back up a few days.....

Wednesday June 30 (a whole week before he entered the MTC)- Brother was set apart by our stake president. For those of you who don't know...... This is when he receives a blessing and is ordained "Elder Montoya," an official missionary of the church. The President and Bishop both gave some great advice to Kade and also to the family. President then took Kade into the office for one last quick interview to assure his worthy to serve. Once his final interview was complete.... Erik, bishop, and president set him apart. During this blessing, president referred to him as "Elder Montoya". It had all seemed so surreal to me up until this point. This is when I then realized brother is going to leave for another country. He would be gone for 2 full years. I would only hear his voice on those major holidays. I also realized, and admired his love for the Lord. His assurance in what he was about to do, and how much he knew it was the right thing. And although he was sacrificing a lot (school for two years, leaving is family, friends, girlfriend..... everything he found comfort in) there was not a doubt in his mind that he loved our Church and believed in it's teachings. So many emotions had built up during this beautiful blesssing from President Cordroy. I know if he listens and follows the councel of his blessing he will be a great and successful missionary. After the blessing, mom and dad both had a moment to say a few words to bother.... and to share their love of the gospel. After was Elder Montoya's turn. He broke down right as he started speaking. He shared how much he loved his family. He went through each of us that were there (whole family except for Crystal, Scott and the girls.... we missed you!!). He gave a special thanks to Erik for his example. He told my dad he was going to miss his "golfing buddy" and best friend. I was literally sobbing throughout this whole ordeal..... but so was everyone else! Even Demi (at 7 years old..... and may not completely understanding what was going on) was crying! It was kind of weird for me to see my brother so serious and emotional (something I have not seen too many times in my life).

Here is a picture of all of us...... ignore or bloodshot eyes and red noses (who is attractive when they cry anyway?)  

Stake President (President Cordroy.... love this man) and Elder Brother (that's what I call him)

After this special event.... with everyone still crying, we decided to go do something fun! We changed our clothes and set out for laser tag and dinner. We had a blast.... and we shall add this to another night we will never forget!

Most Elders do not get set apart until either the day before or a few days before they enter the MTC. Once you are set apart..... you are an Elder, and, therefore, expected to follow the rules of a missionary. Some of these rules include, no TV, music, Internet (any media) that is not spiritually uplifting. And one of the toughest for him..... no being alone with any female (other than family members) and technically you can only shake hands with females. Why was this so difficult for him? He was off to Utah for the next week before entering the Missionary Training Center, which is where is girlfriend lives.

Elder Montoya with the cute girlfriend.... Aubree! She is such a sweetheart. These pictures were taking when she came down to New Mexico to visit in the middle of June. Don't worry.... we asked her every day why she was with Kade (think they've been together for about a year). She didn't have an answer..... Haha! Just kidding she's very cute and has the perfect sense of humor to put up with Kade! I think it must have been pretty hard for them to say goodbye...... but I know she was very encouraging and supportative with Kade's decision to serve a mission. Are you going to wait for him, Aubree??? :)

Brother left the following day (July 1st) with my parents and Demi. They spent the week in Utah with the rest of my family. Erik and I, unfortunately, had to stay behind to work. Throughout the week they had lots of family gatherings (for the fouth, for Demi's bday, and for brother's "going away"). They also spent the day before at lagoon...... a SWEET amusement park!

July 7th- Elder Montoya was to report to the MTC between 1:15 and 1:30. He spent the morning getting everything ready and saying goodbye to family. I heard my sister Crystal, and my grandpa Montoya had the hardest time saying good bye. (These pictures were taken off Crystal's blog.... mother hasn't got her pictures yet)  

My mom said that brother got pretty quite on the way to Provo (MTC). They started talking about sports and other things to calm his nerves and get him talking. On the way down.... they picked up his friend Brock- Elder Lybbert (from Moses Lake, WA) who was also entering the MTC the same day and time as Kade! This helped a lot! When they got to the MTC.... they pulled up to the curb, brother and Brock got out and got their stuff..... Mom and dad snapped a few pictures..... and then they were off with their missionaries that were there waiting for them! My dad said that it is way different than how it used to be... and way less emotional. Both of my parents agreed they liked this better!

Since then: Elder Montoya says he's going great! He loves it at the MTC. He is learning a lot about the Lord, and is catching on to Spanish pretty good. He gets to play soccer every day. He claims he's putting on some weight.... and says they have tons of food! His original companion that he had (he really liked and they were to be on the same flight to Madrid together) already went home. He had a really hard time with this.... but has stayed positive and got 2 other companions that he really likes. His visa hasn't came in yet.... and he got a letter saying he will be delayed going to Spain because the Madrid offices were closed during the world cup. Haha!! He really misses everyone, and loves to hear stories of what's going on in "the real world". He has to get sports updates from my dad every time he emails. Anyway.... think that's about all for now. We really miss him! When we go to my parents at least one story gets brought up about brother, and my mom still says "go get Kaaaaaade.... oh wait..." when it's time for dinner.