Elder Baum's Send Off and Safe Arrival

I know you have all been anxiously awaiting our news of Zack's leaving for his mission. Tuesday night he was set apart by Pres. Harrigfeld. I think Pres. thought of everything he could bless Zack with and then blessed him with it. It was so sweet that our family from Ashton all made it into town for his setting apart. And then we came home to talk some more and for the final (and ceremonial) last checking and zipping of the suitcases. We didn't get to bed til after midnight, and I didn't sleep very well because I had a dreaded feeling that I had messed up on his passport and he wouldn't be able to get his visa. And Alan was having nightmares about something and hollered twice in his sleep. It was a rough night.

Zack and his Abuelita.

Next morning, Morgan came and took some more pictures outside of Zack and all of us.

When we arrived at the airport in IF, Elder Fitzgerald from Rexburg was there with his family. He was Zack's traveling companion. Such a happy and excited young man. I prayed that there would be someone traveling with Zack to SLC from IF.

At the airport, all was quiet and calm. Everyone really had a good time and there was no loud weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth. However, we all had some pretty tender feelings when we had to part.

I was crying without making any sounds, because I didn't want Zack to have a hard time. He was great. So strong and committed. Everyone got to give him a great big hug.

Then he went through security check with Elder Fitzgerald.

Paused for another loving glance and wave

climbed up the stairs

And that's the last we saw of him for two years. I think at this stage we were all in a little bit of shock. It went so very fast.

This afternoon (Thurs.) when I got home from the temple I checked my email and he had written this short letter.

Dear familia,
Today has been really weird. I´m afraid I have to be prompt because los hermanos need us to be unpacking. First Elder Fitzgerald and I arrived in Salt Lake after an extremely short ride and walked to our next gate and met Elders Stillwell and Sluder and Hermanas Thompson and others. We met more in elders in Dallas. We arrived at Buenos Aires and a local man who was unaffiliated (I think) with the church was sent to pick us up in a big travel van, which we quickly packed full and he promptly took all of us to the MTC. I have to go unpack, and then it´s lunch.
-love Zack

The Bs. As. Temple is just across the street from the MTC. So this is what he gets to see every day. That's a pretty good view and I can't believe that he gets to go there before I do.

Here are his addresses:
Address at the MTC in Buenos Aires Argentina (Zack MAY NOT receive any packages while at the MTC).

Elder Zack Baum
Argentina MTC
Bonpland 2349/55
(C1425 FEW) Buenos Aires
Argentina

Address for Mission in Uruguay

Elder Zack Baum
Uruguay Montevideo Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City UT 84130-0150
USA

Address for Packages when in Uruguay

Elder Zack Baum
Uruguay Montevideo Mission
Horacio Quiroga 6350
Carrasco
11500 Montevideo
Uruguay

Email zachary.baum.um@myldsmail.net