getting things ready

In just two weeks Jaydan will be leaving for his mission. Today I got his invites made and painted his luggage. Jaydan is a Falcon's fan and wanted their logo on his luggage. It helps to identify his luggage easier. I feel a bit of relief at getting these two things done.

The Church travel department called yesterday and said that the criminal back ground check we had done wasn't what they needed and that we would have to go to Salt Lake and get a different one. They weren't quite sure why they didn't notice it before now since we had sent in everything they asked for when Jaydan first got his call. He needs this in order to get his Visa to enter Uruguay. Larry is taking Jaydan tomorrow to get it and that should take care of most everything.

Man I can't believe in just a few weeks Jaydan will be gone and serving the Lord. We are getting a new grandson though about a week after he leaves and then Braxton will be getting home so that ought to make those first few weeks easier. (distractions are good) I enjoy this kid!

Kirtland, Ohio

It's a tradition in our family to take the child leaving for a mission on a little vacation that has something to do with the Church. We took Jaydan to Kirtland, Ohio. We saw a lot of cool things and places, heard a lot of information about each place and had our testimonies strengthened, so I guess it was a success. We did a lot of laughing together too.
When the Johnson family moved from Hiram they had this Inn in Kirtland. The did really good in their business decisions.
The Whitney family owned this home across the street from their store. They were such good people that they would feed people in need (or anyone) at different weekends of the year.
The Whitneys owned this store. People would come and trade their goods. This is where the Prophet, Joseph Smith, came when he got to town. He told Newel he was there because Newel had prayed him there. In the top of the store the Brethren had meeting and some even saw Jesus Christ. They were also given revelations which are found in the D&C.We also toured the Saw Mill and the Ashery. They were a hard working people.The next day we went through the Kirtland Temple. When I say "went through" I mean from bottom to top. We saw the underneath and what they have done to strengthen and preserve it. Then we were able to go through each floor and up to the Bell Tower. It was a very informative tour. It wasn't very spiritual since they couldn't talk about the visions and angels that had appeared there. (I guess the Community of Christ Church doesn't allow that) We know the things that happened there though and made sure we talked about them afterwards. It is a beautiful Temple and I think it's neat to hear how hard the saints worked on it. I can't believe they were able to build it in just two years. I believe they had angels working with them. It's big and they did everything by hand. It is awesome.
After seeing the Temple we went to the Johnson Farm. (I might just add that for each tour we took we were the only ones there at those times....people came before us and after us but never at the same time) This place was huge. It was a really nice home and large for those days. The Johnson's also let the Prophet live with them. In fact Joseph was there when the mobs came and took him in the night and tarred and feathered him. (after that night the Smiths little boy died from being exposed to the cold) Joseph still preached the next morning on the front porch of this house. Jesus Christ was also seen here by some of the brethren and more revelations were revealed.
The next day we went to the last place on our agenda. It was the Morley Farm. The missionaries haven't been assigned here yet (we were about 3 weeks early) so we just walked up the path to where the school house had been and sat and pondered. It was at the school house that more visions and revelations were given. We went back to the visitor center after and had the missionaries there tell us more about the Morley Farm.

We had time before our flight to catch the first session of conference with some of the members in Kirtland at their stake center. It was a fun trip. It was fun spending time with Jaydan. (he's such a easy going, fun loving kid.) I know my testimony was strengthened and I am sure Jaydan's was too. He got a lot of attention and advice from the missionaries. (Seniors and young Sisters)

I'm glad that we were able to make this trip happen. We are truly blessed.

Missionary Pictures

This is the picture Jaydan chose to have on his missionary plaque. The guy who gets them for our Ward has been to our house three times already. We needed to get Jaydan a suit before we could get any pictures for it. (the Bishop wanted a suit) And then we had to wait for the suit to be tailored. We got it back the other day and so we went out and took a few pictures. Jaydan wanted something different....you know not like everyone else has. He thought of this pose.

Then of course it is a tradition to get a picture with missionary and mom.

We might need to go get a few more but at least we have some. I like to put pictures of my missionaries all around the house so I can see them everyday. I think it also helps the little kids to remember them.

Jaydan sure is a fun and cute kid. We are really going to miss him but it's a great experience and we wouldn't want it any other way. I love what the Lord does with His missionaries in just two short years!

Shopping

Today Jaydan went shopping for his missionary clothes and other needed things. We went to The Missionary Mall to do his shopping. They had everything we needed and more. They were very helpful and have a 2 year guarantee on everything. After today Jaydan is about set. His pants are being hemmed and so we'll need to go back to get them picked up. I love that we could do all the shopping in one store. Actually we paid less than we did for Braxton's and this is all guaranteed. (hoorah!) The guy helping us (Matt Anderson) seemed a bit hesitant when he told us the total amount. I laughed because it was less than I expected. It's expensive getting these kids ready to go for two years. (it's worth it though) The Missionary Mall has a huge map on their wall and I guess it's tradition to have the missionary point to where they have been called to serve. Jaydan had to get real low to point to his mission. :)

Jaydan had three bags full (sounds like a nursery rhyme), and his luggage.

Temple

Today Jaydan went through the Temple. Yesterday we went and bought all his Temple Clothes and garmets. He was excited to go and thought the experience was cool. He had a lot of support from family and friends. It was neat to see his YM leaders from the other ward there. Those that came were: Grandma Ruthie, Mallory & Glen Toomer, Uncle Mark & Aunt Tonya, Aunt Darinda, Uncle Scott & Aunt Erin, Justin & Natalie, Kevin, Brad & Karen Hodson, Sam & Jaimee Moffit, Brian Hotchkiss, Todd & Jennifer Flint, Kerry & Tami Sparks, and Duane & Suzie Arave.

After the Temple we went to our favorite Restaurant, LaFerrovia, for dinner. It was a great day and we are thankful for Jaydan for Choosing the Right!

The Call

Jaydan was expecting his call to come on December 23 since it was a Wednesday and most calls come on Wednesday. It didn't come on Wednesday though and Jaydan was really bummed to say the least. But, it did come on Thursday, December 24th and that was wonderful. Jaydan was all smiles all day long. It was the best thing that could have happened. He was more excited for his mission call than for Christmas.

This is the letter:

Dear Elder Jaydan John Ropelato:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Uruguay Montevideo West Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

You should report to the Argentina Missionary Training Center on Thursday, April 22, 2010. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandment, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your purpose will be to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children. We place in you our confidence and pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.

You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please send your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.

Sincerely, President Thomas S. Monson

Jaydan had a little get together with family and some friends. We all guessed we were thought he might be called. Braxton was the closest guessing Paraguay.