What an exciting moment in time when our sweet Abigail Jeannine alias Hermana Gertson came through the airport doors and literally flew into Mallory's arms. The minute Abby spotted us she was on a dead run and Mallory ducked under the barrier and ran into Abby's arms. It was such an emotional time for all of us to see this sweet missionary, daughter and granddaughter home safe and sound with a year and a half of memories packed away and the Spanish language mastered.
Hayley, Neal and I arrived at the airport at noon and the Gertson not long behind us. Abby's plane landed right on time and pulled up to gate 20 at exactly 12:45. The anxious part was the waiting for her to come through the door.
I had to take a picture of where we parked so we could find our way back to our car! The airport is HUGE and the parking garage massive. First time we have parked in the new parking garage.
Hayley and I kept our eye on the arrival board for Abby's plane. She was on flight 1010 coming from Los Angeles. It finally popped up that it was "In Range". The excitement heightened by the moment.
Cute picture of Neal and Hayley waiting in the designated waiting area for return missionaries. Only in Salt Lake would an airport have to build a special area for families waiting for their missionaries. It is really a nice area.
Abby's plane coming toward the gate.
Her plane turning into the gate. I had to keep taking pictures to calm my excitement. I thought I would burst at any moment!
Then the board changed from In Range to Arrived!! Now it was just a matter of minutes that seemed like hours as I think back on it.
Abby coming through the doors and spotting her family.
Abby running to greet her family. Such an exciting and memorable moment.
There are so many pictures that I couldn't decided which ones to post. It just wasn't possible to choose between them because everyone has a story of happy tears, love and memories that need to be recorded for posterity.
I asked some innocent bystander in the airport who was totally minding his own business, if he would be will to snap a couple pictures - which he gladly did.
Abby with one of her last companions. Apparently this companion decided that she was going home in a couple days so she just quit working which was miserable for Abby who wanted to make every last moment of her mission devoted to teaching that the Gospel Message Brings Joy!
Three sisters, missing Emmi who is stuck out on the Truman aircraft carrier for an extended length of time. She was so tearful that she couldn't be a part of Abby's home coming.
Annie trying not to be crying in every picture. She was having tears of happiness for Abby's safe return and tears of sadness that she knew Emmi was feeling at that moment. Interesting that tears can be joyful and heart breaking at the same time.
And here we have Brinkley giving Abby a welcome home hug!
Abby couldn't believe how much Andrew has grown!
Abby's sun an!!! OMYGOSH
This missionary did some serious walking and beating the streets!
I do feel a little miniature when around the tall Gertsons!
My darling granddaughter and name sake! How I love this young lady!
My dear Abby. I hope that you will have many occasions to pause and reflect on your service, talents and time that you gave in building our Father in Heaven's kingdom. You were part of a great army of missionaries with determination to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. You let your example shine the light of the gospel in your mission and to your family, grandparents, and all your extended families. This is the Lord's work in which you were engaged. We are so very proud of you and love you to pieces!
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