Dear Jordo....Elder Jones,
We just walked in the door from El Paso, where we left you at the airport to begin your mission. We had packed two suitcases with everything that came on the missionary list...and a few extra items too, we packed your backpack with things we thought might help make your long flight shorter. Several people had written you letters and I carefully placed those in the backpack where you could find them and read them along the way. Leaving you at the airport today...knowing that I wouldn't see you again for 2 years was the hardest thing I have done in a very long time. Even though we planned for this day your entire life...it still did not make it any easier. You were very sober and quiet for the entire drive to El Paso...Pres. Whetten (Bob) called while we were driving and you said good-bye to him. He left you with a little advice..."don't feel sad....and don't give up." I am not sure what else he said to you...but it made you happy. When we got to Entrunqe we found our regular gordita guy and enjoyed a few gorditas..something you won't be eating for 2 whole years. Kinda hard to believe. We had a few last minute items to pick up when we arrived in El Paso, we stopped at Sam's to pick up some family pictures that Aunt Shauna had taken of us a couple of nights ago. And then we went to Target to get a few things to last you through your stay at the MTC. Then we headed to airport. We got you checked in...and then we walked with you until we came to the security check point...we hugged...we cried alot...all of us...and your Dad hugged you like he hasn't hugged you in a long time. You held on to him really tight...and you both cried. You gave me one last tight hug and then you walked away. We watched you until we couldn't see you anymore...and then we walked to the car...in perfect silence. We sat in the car...all of us crying....for a little while, and then we drove away. Oh it was a sad moment! You will laugh when I tell you this...but then we headed to Harbor Freight...you know that place makes Dad really happy! We purchased a few things....and then headed to the West side of El Paso for lunch. Right about then we realized that it was 1:15 and your plane was headed to Atlanta. I started to cry again...Dad did too. I secretly prayed that someone who was a memeber of the church would see you and talk to you. I hope that happened. We had lunch at PF Changs...Matthew told me, last night, that after we dropped you off at the airport we should go have lunch at the Grand China Buffet...and it would make us feel alot better;) I thought that was pretty funny! I am not a fan of the Grand China...so we went to PF Changs instead. Lunch was pretty quiet....the food didn't taste all that good, all we could really think about was you. Dad said that this is a weaning process...like the calves are weaned from their Mom's....a first everyone is yelling and crying...and after a few days everyone settles down again....I hope he is right. Although I will have to say...he is really feeling your absence...just like I am. After lunch, we did a little shopping....that wasn't too fun either...I felt like I was wandering around in a daze....and then we headed home. Grandpa Skinner had overnighted your Spanish scriptures and we forgot to pick them up...and so I will be sending them too you next week. Also, you forgot your wallet with everything in it, here at home. I will send that to you too. Dad looked up the weather while we were driving and today in Dublan it was 109 degrees....and it was 63 degrees in London. What a contrast....also I am sure hoping that you will be warm enough!
We left El Paso this evening and headed home. A LONG and sad drive, knowing that we would be coming back without you. The house seems extra quiet...Lauren has already been over to check in...we locked the gates early so we could just be here alone. Bubba...I know that this experience is going to change your life. You will become a man. You will come to know Heavenly Father, and learn to serve him and those around you. You are now in the air...it is 9:50 pm in Mexico and it is 4:50am in London. Your plane should land in about 4 hours. I hope you have gotten to sleep some on your flight...I cannot imagine what it must be like to fly over the ocean! Right now I am wondering what the MTC in London is like...who your companion will be....what kind of food you will eat...and every other detail of your life in England. I hope you will share lots of details!!
I wanted to also write about your setting apart last night. We planned to have everyone meet at 6:00pm at our house. I bought two Pastel de Tres Leches...cakes to share after your setting apart. We set up chairs in the living room and around 6 people began to arrive. The house quickly filled up. All of the family was here except Grandma Christine...she is in Thatcher taking care of Grandma Elma. Pres. Alfredo Magadan and Dad took charge, Pres. Joel De La Cruz was not here because his wife is very sick with kidney problems. The Bishop...Uncle Russ...was here with his family and you also invited Aaron Olivares and Carlos and Mari Nielsen. We sang Hold To The Rod...your favorite;).....and then Dad asked for everyone that wanted to share something with you to go ahead...everyone shared advice and words of love and encouragement. The cousins are really going to miss you and they all cried when they talked about what a great cousin and example you are to them. They love you! You Dad then gave you a beautiful blessing...through many tears....a blessing of counsel and encouragement. Then you shared your testimony. There was not a dry eye in the room...it was a beautiful and very special moment...the spirit was very strong. Everyone then enjoyed cake and visiting. Everyone wrote special messages on a pillow case that we had out...it turned out sooo cute and will be a keepsake for you. After the good-byes were done...you called Grandma Christine and Grandpa Skinner and talked to both of them. They both told you how much they loved you! Dad has been working on this hand mould...each memeber of the family holding to the Iron Rod...after everyone left he went to check your mould to make sure it was ok...we had mad the moulds on Monday for FHE, and your hand broke into pieces....so you and Dad worked until late to make another casting of your hand. This morning Dad said it looked great. I hope we can bronze each hand...that we be a great family keepsake. I will take pictures and send them to you when he is done with the hands. We went to dinner, just you, me and Dad...to the Hacienda...it was fun to visit and have you tell us about the blessing that you had gotten from the Catholic ladies who love you so much....that was funny! You had a great day yesterday day...visiting with friends...saying good-bye and seeing the Dawgs for the last time, since you are all leaving on missions. I heard you tell Bethany last night on the phone...that it had been a really good day. That made me happy! We are so proud of you! It was so great to pray for you tonight as our missionary! This adjustment time is going to be hard....many more tears are sure to be shed....but I am so grateful that you have chosen to serve our Heavenly Father!
I love you so much!
Mom
