Bonjour!

Well, today's the day! Wednesday August 21, 2019.

 Last night Jordan was ordained an Elder. It was such a special experience. One I will treasure in my heart forever. I am just in awe of how filled to the brim my heart and soul have been through all of this! I loved the wise words of our Stake President  Bob Martell. His blessing was so perfect, and I know without a doubt that Elder Jordan King is ready.

 We tried to get some sleep before getting up to take Jordan to the airport at 4am this morning, and fell asleep with smiling hearts as we heard our kids down the hall, all gathered in the boys room on their last night all together, laughing themselves to tears. I love how they're such good friends.

 I have been praying that when this day came my heart would be filled with joy and excitement, and not sorrow. And my prayers were answered. It still wasn't easy, and as that alarm went off at 3:15 am and then seeing Jordan, all dressed and ready to go - it felt a bit surreal. I kept thinking "I can't believe this is happening. It's now. This is it." But I was okay. Everyone seemed okay. I felt like we were being buoyed up and that the Lord was answering my prayer, helping us to not taste of the bitter too much, in this bitter-sweet situation.

   Jordan brought his luggage downstairs, said goodbye to the dogs, and then we loaded into the car. And off we went!

We parked at the airport so we could watch Jordan go through security. For 4:30 am on a random Wednesday, the airport was so busy! It seemed like peak holiday travel time or something. We were surprised by all the people, and the lines.... But still, everyone was calm and cool. I am so grateful that emotions weren't high and we were able to take in and enjoy this moment. God answers our prayers.

  While standing in line to check his bags, a young man about Jordan's age walked up to us with his mom and dad. They asked if Jordan was a missionary going to the MTC (Missionary Training Center) - because their son was! They were on the same flight! Their son, Elder Jepsen, was going to the Marshall Islands, and so they thought they might be together in the MTC since they were both "Island boys". It'll be fun to find out! Jordan's friend Gwen Page was entering the MTC the same day, and on the same flight as Jordan as well! So fun.

  Since the airport was so busy, that cut our time for saying goodbye short. But I think that was for the best. We each took a turn getting one last hug (ok, I took two turns) and that's when the tears started. That just can't be helped! It's a given. But it still wasn't too painful. I knew we were still being buoyed up. I felt it.

And then he was off! Watching my boy walk away, knowing he has become an incredible young man made my heart overflow with gratitude and love for him, and for the way the Lord has worked in him. What an incredible experience. I am so grateful.

 We watched him walk through security and then Jared and I held onto each other and we both cried as we rode the escalator down to head back to our car.  And even then, the sting wasn't too bad. We were still being buoyed up.

We drove home, just as the sun was rising. It was beautiful.

Jordan decided last minute that instead of taking the shuttle from the airport to the MTC, he wanted to ask his cousin Savannah, "Nan",  if she could pick him up. Nan and Jordan have a special friendship, and she wasn't able to come to Jordan's farewell like she had hoped. I thought this was the perfect idea. It was so great to see that Jordan was not only picked up by Nan, but Courtney & Aunt Syd too! And since he didn't have to be to the MTC until 1:15pm, they took him out to breakfast and he got to spend time with them! And thanks to Syd, I got some pictures!!

 I am so grateful that we have SO many family members who love our kids so much that they would drop everything last minute to be there. I know anyone Jordan called would have been happy to. How special that Jordan and Nan could see each other one more time.

  And then it was time to take him to the MTC! Thank you Syd for more pictures!!! I am so grateful he got such a great send-off! And SO happy to see my boy looking so happy to be there!

This Missionary Momma was feeling pretty darn happy to have had such a great send-off for Jordan, both here with us and there in Utah! And to have these great pictures and knowing he's there safe and sound and happy is all I needed! But then ........ I got an email from Jordan!!!! His first email from the MTC! Already!! I had no idea when he would have a chance to email us, and I knew it could have been up to a week before we heard anything since we don't know when his P-day is yet (Preparation day - one day a week for laundry, emails/letters, recreational activities, relaxing, etc). So I am just thrilled!!

 This experience has gotten off to a really great start. The sting of Jordan being gone has been softened by the feeling of our Heavenly Father buoying us up and filling us with love and joy throughout all of this. His absence is already felt in our home. But all is well.

 Here is Elder King's first email:

Bonjour!

  Hi Everyone! I just wanted to let you know I'm here at the MTC and just had my first French class! It was really great getting to know everyone, it's a really small class -- only like 12 or so missionaries, a little over half Elders. I also got my companion, Elder Tran-Khanh-Bichon! Everyone is so nice, I can tell this will be a great place to be. Love you all so much!

Elder King


 He is happy and loving it already! I am so interested to find out where his companion is from?! Sounds like that could possibly be a French name? Hmmm..

 Anyway, that's it for today! From now on I expect these posts to be much shorter (ha!) and consisting of more info from Jordan - I had to tell the beginning of the story, and now Jordan will tell the rest!

So until next time, let's have a look at that happy face again <3