Sorry I haven't written for a while but things have been really crazy here. The two months from the time Jason received his mission call and when he left flew and were full of preparations, school activities and work. It seems there were a thousand things that needed to be done to get Jason ready.
Along with Jason's mission preparations there are always a lot of school activities and test preparation this time of the year. Jennifer and Jack are both taking band this year (as did their sister and brother before them) and the Christmas Concert is always a high light of the year. This was Jack's first year in band and he was really excited about his first concert.
Jason's flight date was right at the beginning of semester test time at school. Even with all the conflicts, and there were many, the preparations go forward slowly. On Sunday evening, Dianna and President Burton, our branch president, accompany Jason to Jacksonville to be set apart as a full time missionary. The experience is a beautiful memory that I shall cherish for the rest of my life. As President Burkheimer pronounces a blessing on Jason the Spirit fills the room and the feeling of a dream come true engulf me. It is a wonderful feeling to have a son who is willing and worthy to serve the Lord in such a way.
Unfortunately, Jason got ill on Sunday night and was not feeling well throughout the day on Monday. Since he had put off packing until the last minute, Dianna spend most of the evening on Monday trying to fit everything into one suitcase and a carry on bag. At about 8:30 she finally gave up and ended up using two suitcases, a carry on and his backpack. And that was a real challenge. But she got everything packed.
On Tuesday, the weather worked against us. We got up to icy roads and offices closed that we need to get final information from. Challenges all the way to the end. We got him to the airport with extra time and were able to say our final good-byes. It was exciting to send him on his way as a full time missionary for the Lord. He arrived safely in Salt Lake City about an hour behind schedule because of weather. The whole experience was wonderful.
Note: Sorry for the way the pictures are arranged. With Jennifer's help I was able to put the pictures in the posting but I have not figured out how to get them where I want them to be in the posting. At least you can see his send off.
