He Is Elder Jones....

On the evening of Aug. 24, the entire family gathered at our home...along with

Bishop Robinson and a few of Jordan's friends, for Jordan to be set apart at Elder Jones.

The Stake President...Dad...and also Pres. Magadan led the meeting.  We had an opening prayer,

and then everyone was asked to share a bit of advice or their testimony.

It was wonderful to hear the thought of those who love you Jordan....your Grandparents...your

Aunts and Uncles...your sweet cousins, who love you so very much and especially your brother

and sister...who cannot imagine life without you around.  Everyone expressed how grateful they

were for your example of service for the younger members of our extended family.  Lot and lots of

tears were shed.  You too gave a beautiful testimony.  Dad gave you a wonderful blessing,

he said it was one of the hardest things he has done, because he was so filled with emotion.

After the setting apart and all the hugs and tears....we invited everyone for cake, and to take

a minute to write a note to you on a pillow case that you took with you.  The pillow case was

filled with loving notes for a family who loves you very much!

When I told you that you could think of your family each night as you layed your head down to

sleep...you quickly said..."what if I drool???  I will wake up with lettering from the pillowcase

tatooed on my face!"  I thought that was sooo funny!!  You said you were going to hang

that pillow case in whatever area you live...like a flag...your Title of Liberty!

Cousin Loly....your sister Victoria and Cousin Niki...will miss you more than you can

understand.  They said..."who will look out for us know???"  with tears in their eyes.

You have been a great cousins....they love you very much!

I don't think I have seen more tears...than from those three girls, knowing you

will be gone for two years.

One thing I though was so sweet...was the moment you were set apart...you reached for your name

tag and places it carefully on your suit.  No one asked you to do that...you did it on your own.

I saw the mantle settle on you...you are now a missionary.

I caught a glimpse of you....I was glad my camera was close by....you were deep in thought,

the house had cleard out...and what I noticed most was the phrase above your head....

"There is no place like home!"

I know how much you love "home"...I also know that you are ready!  You are ready

for this experience that you have been planning and preparing for since the day you

were born!  This day came very fast, My Boy....but I am thrilled with your decision

to serve our Heavenly Father!