Jonah met with President Gardner on Feb 2nd and submitted his mission papers. President Gardner told him that he would probably get his call on Tuesday, February 11th, but the week before his friends got them on Monday so we were hoping and expecting for him to get his call on Monday, February 10th. I really wanted it to come that day because it was mom's birthday and somehow that made me feel like she was a part of it.
Lori sent me a link to order this map so people could guess. I put down all the guesses for people who wouldn't be there that night. Jonah's friends told him that once he was assigned somewhere he would be able to get into his missionary email. He was able to access it on Sunday the 9th and there was a welcome message in French, so we knew he was going French speaking.
We waited nervously all day Monday for the email, but it never came. Wyatt had a performance at the High School that night and while we were in the performance the email came, at 7:45 PM. Jonah and I were whispering back and forth. I was telling him we should open it that night, but he felt like it was too short of notice so he wanted to do it the next day. Jonah told me I could read it that night. He really wanted to go out of the country and was worried about opening the call in front of everyone if it was stateside. He said he would be fine with it, but he would want to process that on his own. I opened the call that night. It was crazy to read Elder Loosli on there. I kind of wish I hadn't opened it because it was really hard not to tell. Jonah's dream was to go to Africa or somewhere tropical. I finally told him that it wasn't his dream call, but it was a good one.
On Tuesday evening we went over to the church to get set up. We set up in the Relief Society room. We had cupcakes, donuts and chocolate milk. Tiff and Paul got there early so we took a few pictures before everyone got there. Jonah didn't want to, but I knew it was going to get crazy, so I'm glad we did.
We told everyone 8:30 PM. Jonah started to get a little nervous around 8:25 PM when no one was there yet. He really wanted a big turn out and to be able to celebrate with everyone.
It was packed. By the time we started every chair was full and people were standing wherever they could fit. Jonah has always been a good friend. He is the guy who is friends with everyone and makes everyone feel important. I've always told him that he is a leader and I don't think he believes me.
Here is Jonah hugging Bishop Blevins. Bishop Blevins was a great influence on Jonah and really helped him a lot. Bishop Abraham, our bishop in our new ward was there and he has been great for Jonah. Jonah was not excited about moving wards, but Bishop Abraham has been great for him and helped him get ready for his mission. He called Jonah to be the first assistant in the Priests Quorum. There has always been a ton of young men and Jonah has never served in a presidency, so he was excited for this opportunity.
About 8:45 PM we finally got started.
Jonah asked Paul to give the opening prayer. Jonah has always looked up to Paul and is proud to tell people that Paul is his uncle. Paul has always gone out of his way to take an interest in Jonah and talk to him every time he sees him. I'm so grateful for the wonderful family my kids have and the good influence they are in their lives.
After that Jonah was ready to get to it! He had me print out his call and put it in an envelope. He told everyone I looked so he didn't trust me. I think he meant that he didn't trust anything I said because he kept asking questions about where it was and I would give him vague answers. It totally sounded like I peeked against his will.
The beginning of the call is beautiful. There is a lot in there before it gets to the actual call. It talks about how you are going to bring other people to Christ and because you are representing Christ you have to abide by strict standards of worthiness. It is amazing that these young kids put everything else on hold in their lives to share their testimonies of Jesus Christ and bring people to Him.
Jonah got a big smile on his face when he read the France, Paris mission. He's been a little worried about serving in France because it is a tough mission as far as teaching goes.
He settled into it quickly and was excited. Matt and Lori guessed France and I told them I was worried about that. Matt said, "Europe needs tough missionaries and Jonah is a tough missionary." That felt good to me and helped me a lot.
I was a little worried when I read that he was going to Paris, France. I have heard that Paris is very dangerous and that had me nervous. I told Karrie about his call on Tuesday and she got so excited. Her husband served in that mission and they have taken multiple trips to France to take their kids there. She was so excited and showed me lots of pictures and the mission area and helped me get excited about it.
I think this is his face when he read that he will start home MTC on June 9th. He felt a rush to get his papers in and kept changing his date earlier and earlier in June. He said he just felt like he should move quickly. It will be very quick after High School graduation, but I think it will be great for him to just get right out there and when he comes home he will have the whole summer to work and save money for school.
I'm sure proud of Jonah. I have tried very hard not to pressure him to go on a mission. I think these kids have enough pressure on them and I didn't want to add to it. I want him to go on a mission if he has a testimony and wants to serve a mission. I am proud of him for putting in the work to decide if he was willing and able to serve a mission. He has worked hard with lots of scripture study and prayer to find out for himself what he believes and I'm sure proud of him for that.
We got our hugs before everyone came up to talk to Jonah.
It was fun to see so many people there who love Jonah.
Christian got his call the week before and had the same MTC date as Jonah. It didn't say on his call which MTC he was going to so we looked at that later. Angie and I had it all planned out that we would drop the boys off together. I think they liked that plan too. Jonah is actually going to the England MTC though and Christian is going to the Provo one. I think it will be good for Jonah to get out of Provo. He is the first to leave from his friends and I think it will be hard for him to be right here in Provo while they are all getting together this summer.
It was great to have Lindy there. Kyle and Paige were sick so they couldn't come.
We moved here when Jonah was in 3rd grade and he has been friends with these boys since then.
It's crazy to see them all grown up now.
Jonah loved visiting with everyone.
Jonah has been so lucky to have such a great group of friends at school.
He made great friends on the football team.
Coach Chambers came too. He has been a great influence on Jonah.
Oliver has his call and leaves in July. I think it will be a little hard for Jonah to be the first to leave.
It's going to be very hard for Jonah to leave Sawyer. They are best friends and talk or hang out every day.
Sawyers little sister Hadley loves Jonah too, she skipped dance to come to the opening.
It was a special night to celebrate Jonah and his decision to serve a mission.
I have lots of emotions. Mostly I'm just excited for him. It's not going to be easy, but I think he is ready. I can't even wrap my mind around saying goodbye to him for 2 years. I'm grateful he will be able to call us. France is eight hours ahead of us, so the calls might be tricky. Jonah starts home MTC on June 9th and he will enter the England MTC on June 18th and will go to France on July 23rd. It's going to be a crazy few months while we scramble to get him packed and ready.
