Zach Flies to New Zealand

Today we took Zach to the SLC International Airport to catch his flight to San Fransisco and then Auckland.  His flight left at 4:52 pm.  We had a busy day!  Grandma and Grandpa Butler came over to say goodbye at 10:00.  We visited briefly while everyone was finishing getting ready and the suitcases were getting weighed.  He said goodbye to them and then to Chewie, his dog.  We had to run an errand to pick up some pictures for his little photo books and then Walmart for some snacks, luggage locks and a prepaid phone.  The next stop was Red Robin in Layton for lunch.  Zach loves Red Robin!  We were all a little quiet at lunch--we knew what was coming up in a few short hours.  After lunch, we stopped in Bountiful to say goodbye to Zach's Great Grandmother.  She is 101 years old and will probably not be around when Zach returns.  It was funny visiting with her--she doesn't remember much.  In fact, she probably didn't even know who we were.  We tried to write notes and let her know (because she is also deaf), but she kept asking the same questions to Zach--are you nervous?  Do you have any girlfriends?  Ha, he kept changing his answers from yes to no.  We visited with her for about 20 minutes and then headed to the airport.  We were meeting another Elder and his family so they could go through security together.  We planned to meet at 2:30.  We got there just in time, checked Zach's baggage in and met up with Elder Lewis and his family.  Then we met a few other Elders too.  There was a group of about 7 of them flying to San Fransisco.

His bags are packed and ready.

Saying goodbye to Chewie

Lunch at Red Robin

Great Grandma Dee

We started the goodbyes around 3:20--it was so hard.  Lot of tears shed!  We watched him go through security and then he was off.  Just like that, our boy is gone!  We are so proud of him but we miss him like crazy.  It physically hurts!  We were warned!!

The Family

Greg and Elder Johnson

Saying goodbye to Brynn

Saying goodbye to Kaden

Saying goodbye to Tanner

Saying goodbye to Mom

Saying goodbye to Dad

Zach took a prepaid phone with him with some minutes to use at the airport.  He called us from San Fransisco and sounded so good!!  He said there were now 14 missionaries (13 Elders and 1 Sister).  They were about to board a big plane heading to New Zealand.  It helped to hear his voice and know he is doing okay.  He did have one little problem with his Visa.  He said his Visa expires on July 6, 2013 instead of 2015!!  Yikes.  We told him to tell the people at the MTC and they would help him get it figured out.  Just one thing that would be nice for him not to worry about!!

So long Elder Johnson--we love you!

The final wave....so long,  Elder!