Ready...Set...Go!

He's off...! We took him to the airport this morning. We were told that if we asked the right person they would give us security passes so we could wait at the gate with him. While we were waiting in line I observed all the agents at the counter and then when we got to the front I asked the friendliest and most helpful agent. He gave me a look like I was crazy and then smiled and said softly, "Sure, just let me see your photo ID." So Kerry and I both got to go through security and wait with him at the gate.

There were two other missionaries on his flight. One was going to Minneapolis and the other was actually going to Mexico Leon! Imagine that! I think they were both excited to talk to each other. I imagine they will be together through their whole MTC experience. Jay called about 10:00 to say they were in SLC and just waiting for the shuttle. I expect to hear from him any time now to tell me he made it to the MTC just fine.

Bye Jay! We love you and miss you already!

Farewell

Jay's Farewell was Sunday. He did an excellent job speaking in church. Here are some pictures from the get-together we had.

Grandpa, Jay and Dad - My what handsome men!

Jay, Courtney Hunt, Tyler Peck and Cameron Brooks

This one is just for fun!

Getting Ready!

First, let me apologize for the blurry pictures. Apparently I'm not a very adept photographer without my glasses!

Jay and I had a big day on Friday! We started out getting the rest of the shots he needed before he leaves. He got a total of 4 shots; TDAP (Tetanus), Typhoid, Menactra (Meningitis) and a Flu shot. Just a note to those who are preparing to leave on a mission. If you can get all your shots before you turn nineteen, some of them count as "childhood" shots and you can get them a lot cheaper. We saved $165 by coming in 4 days before his birthday! Yippee!

He seems to be enjoying this a little too much!

The four cute band-aids from the four shots.

We got the shots at a place called EVVAC (East Valley Vaccination). The specialize in travel vaccinations and they have a huge map of the world with the names of all the people who were shot there and their destinations.

Jay pointing at Leon Mexico on the map.

Jay's label on the map

Then we went to Pomeroy's for all the Missionary clothes. First were the suits. When he tried on the first suit jacket his response was, "Now, that's sexy!" I believe one of the guys helping us said he loved to hear the propective missionaries responses and "you never know what's going to come out of their mouths."

"Sexy" Jay

Can you believe it needs to be taken in?

Trying on the shoes! Hopefully they'll last for 2 years.

I think is is the pair that has the "yoga mat" insoles. The salesman was telling us all the features when Jay interrupted and said, "Excuse me, did you say yoga mat?" He said, "Yes, that's yoga mat as in Y-O-G-A. When you get tired you can take it out and take a nap on it." (I wonder how many times he's told that joke?)

After we went shopping, Jay and I went to RA for a sushi lunch where he made me eat a quail's egg and uni (sea urchin). Yes, they were both raw. Certainly not something I would choose to eat again. But the other sushi was wonderful. He is very adventuresome with food. I don't think he will have any problem in Mexico.

Mission Call

Jay received his mission call to the Mexico Leon Mission. He reports to the Provo MTC on December 31, 2008.