No more MTC farewell meetings

junesu · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 9:14 am

I've heard from several sources that there is no longer the big MTC meeting where family and missionary sit through a short video (last time I went it was "called to serve" I believe) and talk from the MP before saying goodbyes and separating.

They had a huge meeting room for this and there are less missionaries so I don't think its the space, or time. I'm just wondering why they'd do away with this. Now they just drop them off at the curb. I thought it was a nice little tradition and appropriate way to say bye to a family member leaving for 2 years of voluntary service, especially considering the little contact that is allowed during that time.

Just wondering if anyone's heard anything.

Floater · **Posted:** Tue Jul 10, 2012 12:44 pm

My friends told me they were shocked when they dropped of their youngest - they had no idea they weren't going through the separation meeting anymore. But I think this was about four or more years ago.

TBMLurker · **Joined:** Fri May 09, 2008 8:54 pm **Posts:** 911

It has been this way for a few years. Here's a quote from the web site:

Quote:

May my family come to the MTC?

Congratulations on your mission call. Please be aware that as of June, 2009, new missionary day family orientation has been discontinued. New missionaries are now dropped off at the MTC to begin their formal missionary training program.

On your scheduled arrival date several hundred new missionaries will be arriving at the MTC within a very short period of time. Because of the large numbers, only one vehicle per missionary family will be able to enter the MTC grounds to drop you off. This vehicle should contain yourself, your luggage and a few members of your immediate family. Other family members and friends will not be able to drive in, nor walk on to the MTC campus.

As such, it would be most helpful to this intake process if you would have your farewell activities with family and friends prior to your arrival at the MTC. Because the drop off time is very short, you will only have a few brief moments for a quick farewell and there will be no opportunity for picture taking. Thank you for your cooperation in this process.

We are very excited about your future arrival at the Provo Missionary Training Center. We hope that this information will be helpful as you make your final arrival preparations.

When it first started, they were pretty strict about it (from what I've heard). You hopped out and were expected to have all your bags out of the car and the parental units on their way down the road in less than a minute. I don't think people were really pleased with all the rush-rush, hit the road, Jack, stuff.

I think they've chilled out on that significantly, though. I dropped off a family member a few months ago, there was no feeling of being rushed. But yeah. There were people dropping off missionaries at the curb in front of the classroom buildings all along the front of the MTC. Then you just drove out the back. No going in. No video. I didn't really miss the video, FWIW. We took some pictures up by the temple beforehand and strolled around and talked. It was a much nicer experience.

Past Intrigue · **Joined:** Thu Mar 11, 2010 2:50 am **Posts:** 30

I hated that meeting as a missionary. I hated that they made my mom cry and expected me to be crying too. The whole thing was a set up to bring the tears and I saw right through it even as a TBM.

That said, I can see how some people have positive memories of it, and it's always a little sad when a tradition dies. But overall, I think I agree with the church's decision on this one.

Zim · **Posted:** Wed Jul 11, 2012 5:06 pm

I live in the Eastern U.S. so I had no one with me when I went to the MTC. That meeting was tough for me because almost everyone else had their parents there. It felt very lonely at the time.

Similarly, in those days it was common for families to be at the airport when you shipped out to the mission field. Back then (pre 9/11) anyone could go through security and wait at the gate. The Utah guys had family and friends and girlfriends there in the SLC airport. We went through Houston on the way to Mexico, so the Elder from Texas had his family there. I think in our district, everyone but me had someone to say goodbye to at the airport.

It sort of suited me to be alone though. I had said my goodbyes two months before our Dulles Airport, so I think it might have been harder to have anyone there. At least for me.

HighMaintenanceMe · **Posted:** Fri Jul 13, 2012 5:31 am

Slightly off subject, but I used to despise flying into Salt Lake before the security restrictions were put into place. Nothing used to piss me off more than trying to deplane when a fucking family mob or two were waiting at the gate for a returning missionary. I've never seen such rude people in my life blocking the entire area. Even when the gate personnel would ask the families to please move back . . . .oh, hell no . . . Being the first 2000 people to see their precious little snowflake get off the plane was far more important than a little courtesy.

/rant

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No more MTC farewell meetings

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