A Letter! YEA!!!!!!

Saturday April 12, 2008. Mail came with a letter from Jordan aka Anziano Mathis! Was so nice to hear from him. He sounds great! I typed it up and James is going to put on blog he set up for Jordan so we can all keep in touch with what he is doing. I will probably always type up the hand written ones so they are more easily read, but I will type them the way he writes them! It is good for a chuckle! Jordan's blog site is eldermathis.blogspot.com. Check it out in a few days!

The MTC!

Well, the very much anticipated/dreaded day has arrived! It is Wednesday April 9, 2008. Jordan is supposed to be at the MTC in Provo, Utah at 12:30. We got up and made sure everything was packed and ready. About 10:20 am Harvey gave Jordan a Father's Blessing. Of course it was very nice. Harvey always does a wonderful job when he gives blessings. We met Jeff at Mimi's Cafe by South Town Mall for breakfast. It was nice, mostly just nice to spend that time together. With breakfast done, we drove to Provo, to the MTC. They had us drop off luggage by curb, Harv went to park the car. Jordan & Jeff carried his luggage to designated area. I followed trying to take pictures. After that we met Harv and walked to the front to go inside. There is a door for missionaries and one for family & friends. After going in, we could see Jordan getting his name tag and address card. As he was coming out of that area, a sister informed him that she is the wife of his Branch President. That was nice. We took a few pictures then headed down the hall to the "room". When we got there they were playing clips from commercials, etc. After watching for a bit Jordan turned to his Dad and asked, "Why are they showing all this stuff about families when we are leaving them for 2 years?" Good question! They had shots of the stats on how much food, how many missionaries etc. Then they had a little program with opening song, "Called to Serve", invocation by new Elder from Africa, some scheduled activities for the day by Counselor to MTC President, then wife of MTC President spoke with more advise, etc, then the MTC President spoke, he gave good advise, video "Called to Serve", benediction by new Sister from Oregon, then "the doors". Until you have been through this, you don't really understand. We hugged and cried goodbye. Jordan went through the missionary exit and we sat and cried for awhile, all of us. Then we left and drove home, with tears. Makes for a sad day. It is so hard to be filled with such conflicting emotions. So glad he is doing what he is doing, and excited to do so, and very sad feelings of him leaving. Just praying that he adjusts well and learns the language and enjoys the people he is around.

Setting Apart

Well, the day arrived! The setting apart. This is a hard day for me, because I feel a very physical separation after the boys are set apart as missionaries. Not sure if this is a blessing or a curse! Anyway, Tuesday April 8, 2008 at 10:00 pm Jordan was set apart by President Kevin Weaver as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. Before the setting apart President Weaver allowed us all to give advise and council. Wasn't sure he would do this with the lateness of the hour, but he did, and it was very nice. He started with me, then Harvey, Jeff, Shane Jones, President & Gina Gifford, Bishop Loveless, President Watkins, Randy Charlesworth, Dave Evans, President & Kayla DeLaMare, Kandy & Ashley Hillam, Jose Hererra, Jake Gifford, Marva & Russ Mathis, President Weaver. It was a wonderful time. We are a very lucky family to have so many people who love and care about us and our children. Then President Weaver did the setting apart. He did a marvelous job, and it was a very spiritual setting.

Days Before Leaving

So we spent as much time together with Jordan before he left. You know the other boys had their farewells on Sunday and left on Wednesday. But with Jordan we had some time to spend after farewell, before MTC. It was nice, I would recommend it highly! We went to lunch, finished up shopping and just enjoyed life together. It was great!

Jordan's Farewell

Wow! I can't believe that this has taken me so long to update! I definitely need to do better! Well, March 30, 2008 was Jordan's "farewell". It turned out so good. The opening Hymn was "I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go". I gave the Invocation. James was supposed to, but the conducting counselor messed up! Anyway, then Jordan was the first speaker. Usually the missionary is the concluding speaker, but Harvey wanted it this way, and it turned out to be really neat. After Jordan's totally amazing sermon, there was a musical number with 4 former Bishops - Ben Gifford, Dave DeLaMare & Doug Hillam. They sang the Hymn "Go Forth with Faith". It was really done well. Alan Layton was the accompanist. Actually he played the whole meeting. Then Harvey gave an amazing talk. It was a wonderful meeting. Closing Hymn was "Called to Serve". Doug Hillam gave the Benediction. During the meeting the Spirit was so strong. It was just amazing. I was privileged to sit between Jeff and James. There were a lot of people there.
After the meeting we were able to visit with friends of ours and friends of Jordan's who came. It was so much fun. We then had food at the house. We had 16 doz ham sandwiches, Frog eye Salad, Pasta Salad, Veggies, Jell-o Salads, Won ton Salad, and lots of yummy deserts! People were very kind to help out with food. We have amazing friends and neighbors!
I had scrapbook paper and pens and asked people to write Jordan a note or at least sign their names. Some did. It was fun to have that. The house was totally crowded with people! We fed over 100 people, and there were lots of people who came but didn't eat. Jordan was the perfect guest of honor and host. He stood and greeted people either when they arrived or when the left. It was an absolutely perfect day!
Many thanks for all the family who came to help and brought food. Namely - Julie & Lynn, Steve, Elna, Mom & Dad, Russ & Marva & kids, Diane, Craig, Theresa and kids. Also thanks to Robyn Hansen, I serve with her in Stake Relief Society. Like I said, it was a PERFECT day! Family & friends were very generous and kind to Jordan. Thanks to all!
President & Terri Weaver came by later. That was very kind of them to come. President Weaver made the comment that "the Spirit was so strong in that meeting, that if people didn't feel it, there is something wrong with them." He also said that Jordan's talk was one of the very best he has ever heard from missionaries leaving or coming home. What a wonderful tribute to Jordan.
Jordan is so prepared and anxious to serve the Lord. He is a very fine young man, and we are very proud of him! Thank you Jordan for following the Prophets!

SURPRISE!!!!!!

Friday was quite a night! My brother Steve had arranged to get James home for Jordan's farewell on Sunday March 30, 2008. He was coming on Friday night. My sister Elna was flying in on Friday night as well. James was scheduled to arrive at 8:05, Elna at 10:50. I told Jordan that Elna wanted him to come to the airport when I picked her up, and that she was coming in at 8:05. So we were driving to the airport (Jordan, Veronica & I), we arrived and I got out to find "Elna". While talking on my phone to James I told Jordan to come help with luggage. As he got closer he saw James! It was so cool! It was fun to surprise him a little bit! Thanks for the sacrifice Kiera! Thanks for getting him here Steve, You are awesome! Happy Birthday Steve- Love you tons! So went our Friday night!

This is New so be Patient!

Well, here goes!
Hi to all! I felt that we needed to join the fun world of blogs! This will be the blog from us to all of you. We will try to keep updated and figure out how the pictures work and keep you posted with what is happening in our lives. It won't be fancy, but hopefully it will be fun!
We have totally loved the blogs from Kiera and Holly. It is so fun to watch the grandchildren grow up, since we aren't there. I look so forward to them.
I will try to keep you all updated with what is happening with Jordan when he leaves. We are busy in the prep for his "farewell" on Sunday. The program is planned, the menu is planned, the food is bought, so we just need to put it all together! Jordan and his dad are the speakers. James and I will give the prayers, and his 3 former bishops are singing a special number. We are excited. He is doing such a good job of preparing. Very proud of him. Well, this is it for the first time!