Elder Vogt Returns Home!!

The day finally came where Seth came home and was honorably released as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was exciting and nerve wracking and joyous and amazing all rolled up into one big thrilling moment!

Grandma Carlson had flown into town the Friday before and that really helped keep us busy and not just watching the clock before his arrival. Throughout the weekend, we worked on making all of the posters and banner to hold up at the airport. Mom had originally thought they should purchase professionally designed banners but dad thought the handmade ones would be more meaningful and they were all glad they went with the homemade ones since they turned out soooo cute and colorful and customized!

Finally Tuesday, September 11th was here and we headed off towards the airport at 5:20pm for his 6:33pm arrival time. As we started out, mom checked Seth's flight status and saw that they had MOVED IT UP to 6:19pm and we all got a bit antsy! We called Grandma and Grandpa Vogt and told them his flight was arriving early and to get on their way and then alerted Uncle Tony and Aunt Heidy of the change as well. At the same time, mom was calling her best friend, Stephanie Perry (who was going to meet them at the airport and take all of the pictures) and told her to get there ASAP! After everyone had been notified and we saw that traffic was moving along at a nice pace, we settled down a bit (but of course, still had that nervous/anxious stomach that accompanies anticipated excitement!) We get to the airport and make our way up to the greeting area and visit with the other family as they arrive to greet Elder Vogt...

And then right on time at 6:19pm we see that his plane has landed! As people start coming in through the airport doors - anyone with a suit (no matter of age or size) Ben thinks it's Seth and gets our hopes up! haha... But it's not too much longer before we see (the real) Elder Vogt walking through the doors and mom is privy to the FIRST HUG!!

 When she feels like she's held her little boy long enough to make it seem REAL (and not just a dream that he's home!) they head back to the rest of the family that is eagerly awaiting their time to welcome him home!

 After many hugs given, laughs exchanged and tears shed, we made our way down to the baggage claim to collect his 2 suitcases that held everything he owned for the past two years. After a final picture inside the airport we made our way back to van and headed over to the Chuck-A-Rama with Grandma and Grandpa Vogt for a "Welcome Home" Dinner!

 We all filled our bellies with delicious food (and one positive of Seth arriving home from CA vs Nicaragua was that he'd already accustomed back to "American Food" - for if not, I'm certain this meal would have made his terribly sick!). We listed as he shared more stories from his Mission and just basked in his light and being around him! We had members of our Stake Presidency (President Miller and Brother Hughes) coming to the house at 9:15pm to release Seth and so at about 8:30pm we left the restaurant and headed home - a home that we moved to while he was serving his Mission. We arrived home shortly after 9pm and Seth took in a super quick tour before there was a knock on the door. After introductions, President Miller and Seth separated themselves for a final interview while the rest of the family visited with Brother Hughes in the living room. When Seth and President Miller joined us, Seth gave his final testimony (as a Missionary) to us in Spanish. Mom and dad were then asked to share their testimonies and the blessing that they'd seen while Seth was out serving. The Spirit was palpable and brought a beautiful feeling into our home. At the end, President Miller presented Seth with a certificate (from the Carlsbad California Mission) and officially released him as Missionary. We then made our way back upstairs to the boys' room and listened as Seth shared more stories from his time in Nicaragua until we eventually fell asleep on the bed (oh wait, that was just mom - she was exhausted and worn out from the days festivities! haha)

It doesn't seem possible that this chapter of life has come to an end. Mondays will go back to being "regular ol' Mondays" without the anticipation of the weeks news and accompanying pictures from our favorite Missionary! We have been blessed by Seth's sacrifice and I know that he will be eternally blessed for sharing the gospel and being a servant of the Lord for the past 727 days!