Elder Rowley arrives at the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center on July 28, 2010.
Until recently, a missionary's family and friends said their last goodbyes only after a brief -- but emotionally epic -- devotional meeting inside the building. With all of the tears shed, this created carpet cleaning costs. (OK, we're making that up.) With the new drive-by dop-off, the tears flow directly to the storm drains.
By chance(?), Elder Rowley's "host" had a familiar face. It was Elder Blake Tanner from Highland, California -- a member of the Redlands California Stake and one of Elder Rowley's classmates in early-morning seminary. Elder Tanner leaves next week for the New York Utica Mission.
Elder Rowley flanked by, left to right, Dad and Dallin (Elder Rowley's brother, recently returned from the Mexico Monterrey Mission).
