Elder Ritter has been a missionary for 3 days.
Wow, 3 days down,727 days left!

MTC

6/3/09. Around 10:30 a.m. we drove to the MTC. Scott, Amy, Geoff and I were in one car. Megan and Scotty were in their car and Stephen, Brooke, and Jack followed in their van. We were aware of the drop off change that was implemented just that week, where missionaries would be dropped off curb side and enter the MTC without family members, but we thought that we would have some time on the grounds to take pictures and say our final farewell. Our mistake was in pulling up to the luggage unloading curb before we stopped for pictures and hugs. They would not let Megan and Stephen's cars follow and before we could go and get them, Geoff was whisked off to get his name tag and then off to the MTC. We did ask them to stop long enough for a small group photo and to hug Geoff good-bye. We like the new drop off procedures because it does not prolong the agony of separation (like when they had us sitting in the auditorium watching mormon ads etc. with Stephen), but I wish we would have squeezed Megan, Stephen and grandkids in our car so they could have been there.

Breakfast before the MTC

Stephen, Brooke, Jack, Megan, Scotty, Amy, Geoff, Scott and I went to Kneaders for breakfast before going to the MTC. (Lynsdy was at work.) 6/3/09

A final farewell to Friends

Ty had to get back to work in Dallas Texas so he said his good-byes to Geoff Monday afternoon. 6/1/09


A few close friends came to the house just before we went to the Stake Center for Geoff to be set apart as a missionary.






Wei, who will be leaving on his mission soon, was invited to the setting apart.

Geoff's Farewell

Sunday May 31, Geoff gave his missionary farewell at church. Many friends and family came. Geoff bore strong testimony of Christ's atonement and convincingly spoke of gaining a personal testimony and "knowing for yourself". After the meeting, many of those attending came back to the house for lunch and to visit. We had well over 100 people there, but regretfully didn't break out the camera until many had left. We were so grateful to all of the family and friends that came to support Geoff and his choice to spend two years in the France, Toulouse mission sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the French people. We would like to thank all of you who attended along with all of you who wanted to attend but were unable. Thank you! 5/31/09

Geoff hasn't stopped grinning since he opened his mission call letter.

Geoff's friends:
(We regret not getting the camera out earlier to capture the many others who came to the house.)









Geoff's Family:




















Kathie is totally worn out!!