When we got to the Cheyenne airport, we were surprised and so happy to learn that our ticket agent was a woman from Brazil! She became a sweet addition to our day of departure for Bryce. When the time came to say our goodbyes for 2 years, tears ran heavily. For mom, that moment where he passed thru security and turned to walk away from sight was complete torture! I ran into Bill's arms and let myself fall to pieces. Apparently it had an effect on the TSA gal, who ended up in tears with us. We were told that we could watch the little plane take off from outside the fence on the edge of the airport. Our family, including grandma and grandpa Petty and aunt Lizzie, wrapped ourselves in blankets and held vigil by that little fence while we awaited one last glimpse of Bryce before his departure. Our Brazilian ticket agent saw us and waved, she then arranged for the plane to change its original take-off plan to accommodate a little fly-by so we could see his plane as it flew away. As we travelled back to home, I posted our pictures on Facebook. Within moments I received a text from a dear friend from school, Anna Cordova, who said that her brother was the pilot of Bryce's plane! She recognized him in the pictures I had posted! What a small world and sweet comfort!
I received a call from Bryce when he arrived at the SLC airport. He used a pay phone (anyone know how to do that anymore?!) to let me know that he made his connecting flight, had checked in with his shuttle and was safe and sound. Unfortunately, the airline left his luggage in Denver. For a missionary, that bag is their whole life for the next 2 years! They said they would deliver it to the MTC by 6pm that night. Here's hoping that happened!
We sent a letter using dearelder.com which is a free, same-day letter delivery system at the MTC. We also sent him a package with a "greenie" theme because he's a brand new missionary. It included Andes mints, spearmint lifesavers, green apple twizzlers, a green sharpie, green gum, and other little green things like that. I tried to send an email using his lds mail account today, so hoping he gets all of our correspondence soon! I will post his photos, letters and updates here for the next 2 years! Feel free to follow!!!
PLEASE WRITE OUR MISSIONARY AT:
richardson.william@myldsmail.net
OR:
Elder William Bryce Richardson
SEP24 BRA-GOI
2009 N. 900 E. Unit 133
Provo, UT. 84602
