He spoke in church this last Sunday on Easter and did a marvelous job speaking on the atonement and missionary work. He taught his last Sunday school class to the 12-13 year olds and they will miss him dearly. He was set apart that night amongst family and friends. His roommate this last year at BYU-Idaho came to see him off as well.
As soon as Elder Spencer was set apart he pulled out his name tag from his suit coat pocket, put it on, and hugged his mother. It was very apparent he had been waiting to put that tag on for a long time and also how much he loves his mother.
As we got to the airport he was very excited and nervous but was still his good old self having a good time and making other people laugh. As most of us know with Carl he has a special talent of finding humor in situations and making people laugh and feel included. He will be such a great missionary as he shares that talent with the people in Brazil. I can just see all of the members and people in Vitoria who will love him dearly and the little Brazillian kids who will steal his name tag and come up with nicknames for him.
As it was time to say goodbye, with tears in his eyes and his infectious smile, he announced that his final words were "Remember, have a good time, don't be a good time." We will miss Elder Spencer very much. Through tear stained eyes we glanced back to get one last look at our Elder standing in the security line. The boy we all knew who was always the "baby" and youngest child was suddenly all grown up. He looked sharp, refined, and full of purpose. He truly looked like a man, but more importantly like a missionary for the Lord.
As he went through the security line at Sea-Tac, he found 10 other missionaries all traveling to Brazil from Seattle! He called from the airport in Dallas already with missionary experiences and the words "Mommy, I am having a blast!" God speed Elder Spencer!
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