The Eagle has landed!

Dear loved ones,

Yes, the aguila has landed and Elder Greg May has arrived in Chile!!!We can happily report that he made it here, from SLC, LAX, Lima, and now Santiago! We are so thrilled that we were able to see him and even spend less than 1 hour together, pero no nos importa. It was maravillosa! By now he is definitely in Concepcion, and you know Greg, probably loving every minute of it already!

He is super happy, as Greg tends to be, hugging many of the other missionaries goodbye as they were heading off to OSORNO or here to Santiago East mission, and his group of 9 had to catch a connecting flight in less than 1 hour from when he came out of security. When Sarah came up to him, he yelled, "BABERS," and they hugged and she cried, and then she said he was telling all the other missionaries around him, "Es mi hermana, my sister." That made them all relieved. One of the missionaries standing there in shock from the flight, looked at me and said, "Is that your son? Same nametag?" I'm sure this whole event was more confusing to him too wondering if we came just to see him.

We helped him quickly move his luggage, and then seeing the long lines of those checking in to LAN Chile, we asked an important looking man for some assistance. We told them that these two great American missionaries need assistance to make their connection flight to Concepcion, and could he help. He asked for their passports, and then quickly called on his official spy-collar-walki-talkie to the front desks, confirming that these two were indeed on the flight, and then ushered us thru the ropes to an empty teller who immediately began to load their luggage and expedite their connection. How wonderfully the Lord works and helps His missionaries. Greg didn't want to worry or get angry he said, as he knew the next flight was already loading and they needed to hurry. We had shopped at a cute little bakery near our home last night for FHE, and Sarah chose some of her favorite struedle/raspberry treats (12) to take to Greg's group goin g to Concepcion. He loved that, and said he was already thirsty, you know since you never get enough water on flights. Then as part of our activity for FHE, we assembled 10 little gift/treat bags for their next leg of their flights. We put in a small box drink, alfajor, American candy treats we brought from Costco, and then some of our newly found favorite treats we've discovered here. Then also we put this note in each bag, with a 1,000 bill and change in each bag, so they can learn how the money works and get the hang of it, since none of them had any change, even to buy a drink yet. Elder May was so excited to share these with his missionaries too and he hugged me again. I'm glad, because normally I don't hug any of the Elders here, like Dad constantly does, so this was even more heartfelt from me today, for Greg.

As we were walking to the area for departure, Elder May kept asking us if we are loving it, and we said, "we love it and you will too." Then he asked, "You all look like you are having fun. Is it fun?" and of course we told him, "It is great fun. We love it, and it is hard work." We know Greg will live it to its fullest, and the people will fall in love with him.
We escorted the missionaries up to their gate, and all too quickly we were giving our last hugs, kisses, and saying, 'I love you." as he was eager to enter the last step on his way. Funny how we didn't feel sad. We are super happy for him, and know he is in for the greatest changes and learning experiences of his life. We are thrilled for him. Greatly relieved that we really did get to see him, with a few minutes of doubt that he might not be able to come through the gate to actually see us. Therefore, just the fact that we had a few minutes, and we had a few more hugs, kisses and 'I love you's," I know I am living every mother's dream. Who wouldn't want to see their missionary just one more time, especially in the MTC, or in the airport when he lands, or even be in the country where he is serving, so I know the Lord is merciful to me. I'm so thankful that the gospel is on the earth, containin g the plan of happiness, the great blessing to be together for the eternities and live with our Heavenly Father again. I love the Savior and this is His marvelous work, and it is true. We love being missionaries, and we love being here.
Our love and besos to you all,

Mom/Dad/ Sarah
Carol/Mike