Today was P day

I got a very brief email from the boy more or less stating that he'd send me a letter.  Yeah, fantastic son, I appreciate that.  At least I know he is getting my letters and the package that we sent to him.  Of course in his email to his dad he was a bit more chatty.  Apparently the companion situation is OK, but not fantastic.  Someone thinks  that his companion should be more focused and attentive to the work, less 19 year old boyish.  I'm sure it will all work out. 

I guess I'll just keep waiting for the boy's letter.  I'm guessing that he hasn't taken much time to write the people he should.  Probably something to do with trying to get his new schedule running smoothly and learning the routine.  By the time he has it all down he'll probably be off to Japan so he'll be learning a new schedule.  That seems to be the way life works doesn't it?

First email from Jeff today!

We have received our first contact from the boy, from what he said he is doing well and keeping busy with the language and classes.  His Pday will be Fridays until he leaves the MTC (he only got a few hours for a Pday this week).  He receives mail twice daily and is only able to read email on Fridays. 

The rule for him emailing is that he can only email immediate family and grandparents, at least that is what I've been told. I'm still not clear about the rules on him receiving email from friends and extended family so I'm not sure if I should give out his email or not, for now I'll hold off on that. 

Please send him all the letters you would like to over the next 11 weeks.  I know letters are $.44 each and email is free but I'm not willing to risk getting him in trouble.  Just be aware that postage to Japan will be $1.05 per 1oz letter in January (currently it is $.98 but that wont do us any good will it) I have heard that he may have better email capability once he is in Japan, we'll find out more about that later I suppose.  For now keep the letters coming and make sure you keep Jeff and the others in your prayers.

He's in the MTC and we are adjusting.

We dropped Elder Mosdell off today at 1:10.  Traffic was crazy and we had to sit through several cycles of the light because there was nowhere to go as we turned into the MTC parking lot.  I've been told that the number of missionaries going in today was higher than normal because of the holiday next week.  It was nice (meaning that there was no long, drawn out public bawling experience). We drove up and parked along the curb at the number we were directed to, popped the trunk and piled out of the car.  While the trunk was being unloaded we got one more good hug each, someone said "Welcome to the MTC Elder" and he was gone. 

Of course we then drove past a sea of smiling elders who waved at us and beamed encouraging looks to all of the departing families.  I know he'll adjust and be fine there for the next 11 weeks before he goes off to the other side of the world. 

Well, I'd better go find one of those boxes we have been saving and start putting things the kid forgot in it, we started finding things he'll need shortly after we dropped him off.  I'm betting that is normal.

Wednesday is the day!

Shopping
Endowment
Shopping
Farewell
Shopping
Large gathering of family and friends
Shopping (still need stamps)  ;)
Packing
Setting apart
Drop off

We are almost through the check list!  We drop Jeff off on Wednesday this week so if you want to start writing him letters of encouragement and support that would be great, he'll be glad to hear from you all.

It was so nice to see everyone over the weekend,we missed those of you who couldn't make it.  I'm really glad that the weather cooperated because the house was very much overflowing.  Thank you all so very much for being the wonderful people that you are and for showing your support for Jeff. 

We love all of you!

One week and 2 days left to get it all finished up!

Today is Monday the 7th of November, Jeff goes into the MTC on Wednesday the 16th of November.  That is just 10 short days my friends!  It is getting close and I'm actually starting to feel more excited and less dreading him leaving.  Don't get me wrong, I'll miss the boy an awful lot, but this will be one of the best and most defining experiences of his life.  That is just unbeatably cool.

The point of this post is to let you all know the schedule for the important events that will be happening between now and the 16th of November.  We'll spend this week getting the shopping and shots finished off, then it gets really crazy:

Saturday is Temple day, if you  want to know the time to meet us at the Provo temple get in contact with one of us ASAP so we can get you the information, we'd love to see you there.

Sunday 1:00 Jeff is speaking in sacrament meeting.  We meet in the Canyon View Stake Center building which is located on 2550 East in Spanish Fork (between highway 6 and Canyon road).  After 2:30 Jeff will be happy to visit with you at our home.  If you need an address contact one of us ASAP and we'll take care of you.

Tuesday evening Nov.15th Jeff will be set apart.  Visitors are welcome at our home that night, contact one of us for time/location information.

2 weeks

We are cleaning house and finishing up all of the things that need to be done before Jeff heads off to the MTC.  He still needs some shots and and we need to purchase the remaining small items that are on his list of gotta haves.  Everything else (ordination and recommend interviews) has been scheduled and is in process.  We just need to call the temple and make the arrangements there (we are thinking Nov 12th) and then its all done except the packing and drop off. 

Of course the weather has turned cold and nasty just in time for the arrival of family who will be coming and going frequently over the next 2 weeks so we're hoping that the various nieces and nephews will be happy, cooperative, and not ill.

I know, I know - I'm probably asking for too much.  What ever happens we'll just roll with it.