The Night Before...

Grandpa Dave & Jordan

The night before Jordan left for the MTC, family members met with Stake President Morgan and Bishop Hulme to set Jordan apart as a missionary.  When church members are assigned a calling and it is accepted, they are "set apart" for that calling.  Jordan accepted a call from the prophet, Thomas S. Monson to serve an LDS mission, therefore, he was set apart.  The setting apart makes the call official.

After everyone arrived, we were escorted into a large room.  President Morgan welcomed everyone and had Jordan introduce all the family members, one by one.  President Morgan asked me to share my feelings about Jordan serving.  I said that he was born ready to serve and that I was excited for him.  He turned to Jordan's dad and asked him of his feelings.  Dad said that he was very proud of Jordan and that he would be an excellent missionary.

Dad, Jordan & Mom

Then President Morgan, Bishop Hulme and Brad laid their hands upon Jordan's head and through the priesthood power,  gave him a blessing and "setting apart."  In this blessing, Jordan was told that he was loved by his Heavenly Father and that He was proud of his decision to serve a mission.  Jordan was blessed with safety and good health.  He was reminded to use patience while being a missionary.

After the blessing, Jordan stood up and gave his dad a big hug.  He then shook hands with the Stake President and Bishop Hulme.  Then he gave mom a hug and I told him how proud I was of him.

The Stake President then gave us the room to visit family. 

Spencer & Elisse will be having their first child in two months; Jordan's 2nd nephew to arrive in our family.  Phil and Katie made special arrangements away from their gift shop to attend.

Bonnie, Jaren, Dallin and Laken (Gary was at home) will soon have a new missionary in their family.  Jaren plans to turn in his papers in a couple of weeks.

Lloyd & his daughter Emma came to share their love and support.  Lloyd brought his camera and captured these photos you see here.

Grandpa Dave is recovering from hip surgery and made the painful journey to see Jordan at this special occasion. 

Grandma & Grandpa Shell also made the effort to come, in spite of physical limitations.  They wouldn't have missed this for anything!

This was the night that everything became a reality.  The Spirit was very strong and emotions were very close to the surface.  We appreciated all those who made it to Jordan's setting apart.

He will be an awesome missionary!!