Jordan was set apart on Sunday, August 20th by President Alon Pugh. He gave such an amazing blessing to Jordan. I don't remember all, or probably eve most of it, but it was very powerful.
He was blessed with the gift of tongues - that he would be able to pick up the language quickly and effectively. He was told that our Heavenly Father had prepared people in the premortal life for him to teach in Mexico and that they would be able to speak heart to heart. He was told that he would make some eternal friendships over the next two years and that he would grow to love not only the people of his mission, but also his mission President and his wife. He was told to keep smiling, like he is now. His smile and happy disposition would get him in many doors and help with his teaching. He was blessed with enthusiasm and vigor. He was blessed with a knowledge that his Heavenly Father loved him and his parents and all of his family. He was also blessed with health and strength.
I know there was a lot more, but I just can't remember it. And of course, I spaced taking my camera, but am lucky enough to have a sister that always remembers - thanks Kristy!
Some of those pictures are heart breaking. Notice the picture of Dylan and Jordan hugging. You can see the angel Moroni just over their head. When Jordan got home he was still emotional, and he normally doesn't cry, but he was so sad for everyone he was leaving behind and was going to miss us all so much. But, he is really excited to be going and serving his Heavenly Father and teaching the people of Mexico. How grateful I am for eternal families and a loving Heavenly Father who shows so many tender mercies!
Then on Monday, we headed up to Salt Lake to take Jordan to the airport. He had to be there at 7:30 am on Tuesday, so we stayed at a motel right by the airport. We took Granny Blake up with us because she had a doctor's appointment she needed to go to so Marcia met us at Spanish Fork.
We had some shopping to finish up and Jordan wanted to get his hair cut one more time before he left. And of course we had to eat at Red Lobster - Jordan LOVES seafood!
That night Jordan asked Kevin to give him a blessing and it was so amazing. We shed more tears and then tried to sleep, but I'm not sure any of us slept much. Then it was off to the airport.
Seriously, he looks sad, but I know he was just nervous and worried. Nervous about how he was going to get through security, what kind of food he was going to have to eat, was the language going to come easily to him, etc. And worried about everyone he was leaving behind. I'm sure this weighed heavily on him today, but he was really excited and happy to finally be going.
All day Monday and Tuesday morning a verse of "How Firm a Foundation" was going through my head:
Fear not, I am with thee; Oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and causes thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, upheld by my righteous,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.
The last six weeks I have had so many fears as a mom - Will the language come easy? Will he be healthy? Will he make friends? Do we have everything he needs? Is he ready for this? Have I loved him enough? Can I let him go for two years? Am I strong enough to say, "See you in two years"? And I know I'm not the only one that has had fears and concerns. But, just like this song says. If we rely on the Lord and put our faith and trust in Him, there is really nothing to fear. He will help us through whatever is thrown at us. How comforting this song has been for me!
There were a ton of other missionaries flying on the same flight as him which made me feel better, but it was hard to see him go through security by himself. Seriously the best, hardest day of my life. He was so nervous, but so excited to get to his mission. I'm not going to lie, we all totally broke down, but it's just because we are sad that we won't see him for two years. We all know he is where is he supposed to be and will be an amazing missionary. We are so proud of you, Jordan!
