Curbside goodbyes at the MTC

Missionaries wanting photos or interactions with larger family gatherings are directed to a lot and property east of the MTC, across 900 East. Photo opportunities at the MTC entrance signs now are at an even higher premium.

But luggage can't be unloaded outside the MTC campus proper and walked in by hand — the missionary and luggage must arrive by car and check in via the curbside process.

Families dropping off new missionaries Wednesday said they missed the traditional send-offs but were understanding.

"It's one of those things — when the brethren have something to do, there's a reason," said Scott Hansen of Bakersfield, Calif., joining family members in dropping off his son, Elder Brent Hansen, assigned to the Italy Catania Mission.

Two older Hansen brothers who served missions previously had differing first days — the Hansens said goodbye to Eric Hansen at the airport because he went directly to the S? Paulo Brazil MTC, and they accompanied the Argentina-bound David Hansen to the Provo MTC for the traditional goodbye.

"All three are different experiences, all three are wonderful," said their mother, Joyce Hansen.

Elder Anthony Dibb of Bountiful, called to the Ukraine Dnepropetrovsk Mission, is the fourth missionary from Bruce and Colleen Dibb's family, with the previous three having gone through the Provo MTC.

"We sort of created our own experience outside the MTC," said Colleen Dibb of the family's mini devotional Wednesday — including talks and hymns — conducted between the MTC and the nearby Provo Temple for the 15 accompanying family members.

And after dropping off Anthony Dibbcurbside, the family continued one of its arrival-day traditions, Colleen Dibb said — "we all went to lunch together, to commiserate."

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