Going on a mission

Jacob left on his mission today. It’s been a whirlwind of preparation over the last few months since he got his mission call. The last 24 hours have been tough but it’s certainly something we want to remember and document in our family history.

On Tuesday night Jake was set apart as a full-time missionary by President Anderson. He challenged Jake to do three things as a missionary:

1. write in your journal every day
2. be obedient
3. love the people

It was an emotional night. Even the kids started dealing with the impending departure of their older brother in different ways.

It was an emotional night for everyone, but we’re grateful for the support of all the people who came by to say their farewells to Jake.

• David
• Grandma Jan
• Rowberry family
• Daniel Nyman
• Bishop Anderson
• Taylor Tillotson
• Jake’s friends:
• • Brennan
• • Tyson
• • Cameron
• • Tanner

Finally at about 11:30pm everyone had left and we went down to watch a classic missionary movie “The Other Side of Heaven”. We finished it at about 1:30pm and then said a family prayer (which Jake mostly slept through) and all the kids slept downstairs together for maybe the last time.

We got up in the morning and had a great spiritual experience. Jake gave Manina a blessing, and then I gave Jacob a blessing.

Everything was packed and ready to go.

We had to drive two cars because of our plans to float the Provo river after we dropped off Jacob. As we made our way down to Tucanos for lunch, I could tell that the nerves and anxiety were increasing for everyone. We met the rest of the family at Tucanos and tried to enjoy lunch. That was hard, because no one felt like eating, especially Jacob.

Jake signed Megan’s cast and we had a kind ward member, Arthur Newell, come to our table and give Jake some much-needed positive encouragement. We paid our check and all piled into the Suburban to head down to the temple and the MTC drop-off.

We’d heard how quick the goodbyes were at the MTC so we stopped at the park below the Provo temple to take pictures and say our goodbyes. It was rough. There were a lot of tears, all the kids were pretty shook up about losing their big brother.

We piled in the suburban strategically, with Jake in the very back so that everyone would have to get out again so we could all get one last goodbye hug. We got our blue post-it-note and were directed to the underground parking garage.

We parked in a great line of cars, an Elder came out and helped get the luggage and everyone got one last hug. Then, he was gone.

We are all very excited for Jake and for the many wonderful opportunities he will have serving a mission. We wouldn’t rather he be anywhere else right now. He’s going on a mission and we’re so happy, grateful, relieved, and proud. Godspeed, Elder Johnson! Until we meet again.