Jake's First Letter

We received an email from Jake @ 8:30 AM Wednesday morning. This is what he had to say...

Hey I´m here! How are you guys? were in the computer lab all writing to our parents! everything here is in spanish and its nuts! some of the stuff i learned is coming back to me but its gonna be hard and im ready to learn and lose myself in the work. There were TONS of hermanos and hermanas on the plane yesterday. It was awesome to see everyone and it was a day full of laughter and smiles. The elders are awesome, the CCM is very nice and already a blast! I am so excited and happy to be here and I know I am supposed to be here. My companion is Elder D., he's from Provo and is half peruvian! so thats awesome! But its him, Elder J., and me. Elder J. is from oregon. me and Elder D. are loving it lots! I also have been talking to Elder H. from bountiful lots too. He's become a good friend and we've connected well! Well i gotta go! I miss and love you guys! I love peru already and I love everyone here and the gospel! Ive never read so much and prayed so diligently in the last day! Stay strong and ill be home before you know it! ¡Hasta luego!

We think what Jake meant is that he, Elder D. and Elder J. are the three Elders assigned to the Huancayo mission. We're not sure. We sent him a list of questions. The word is that P-Day is on Wednesday so there's a good chance we won't hear from him until next Wednesday morning. Dang, that's a long time!

See You In Two Years!

We dropped Jake off at the airport today around 8:30 AM. He was very excited and in good spirits. As a parent, this was really hard...the hardest thing we've ever had to do up to this point. We know he will bless the lives of many people and will learn and grow in the gospel. We're so grateful that there were several other missionaries traveling with him to Lima. They will arrive about 10:40 PM Mountain Time and someone from the MTC will pick them up. We really don't know when we will hear from him. We've heard some missionaries get to send a quick one-liner email home on their first day to say "I made it" and others have to wait until P-Day the following week. So it could be 1-10 days before we hear anything. Although it was hard, there's no place we'd rather have him at this time in his life. See you in two years Elder Moss!

Almost Packed

The Science of Packing

Are we almost done? How many times have we packed, unpacked and packed again? Jim and I think we finally have figured this out. One bag done and finishing up the last.  My good friend gave us some good advice. Pack one bag for the MTC and one bag that he'll open up when he gets out into the field.  Good luck Elder Moss when you get transferred.

Saying an Early Goodbye

Emily left for Girl's camp this morning and she had to say goodbye early to Jake. She wanted to be at the airport but Jake told her she should not miss out on being with her friends at Girl's camp. She wrote Jake the best note and she'll miss him. She adores him even though he teases her!

Under 24 Hours To Go...

Jake was set apart last night by our Stake President, President Matthew R. Clarke. It's official! He's a full-time missionary. He's almost packed and ready to go. We started this blog so we could keep family and friends up to date on what is happening with Jake. This is where we expect to post his letters (emails) and pictures. Thank you to all of our family and friends who have made the last couple of weeks very special and rewarding. We have felt the spirit in our home and we know Jake is going to have a great mission experience!