Sunday, January 25, 2009

Elder Jordan Ritter

We've had such wonderful events happening around our home lately, and I wish I would have been better about my blogging. Last Sunday was Jordan's farewell talk and goodbye get together at our home. His talk was excellent, on the scripture, "Be thou an example of the believers." He was very well prepared. At the get together, we had close to 80 family and close friends, but everything went smoothly. The pictures we took are on Jordan's camera, so none to post here! Thanks to all who came and supported Jordan. I was a little stressed about feeding and hosting that many people, but everyone was so supportive and helpful. It was a wonderful day.

Tuesday, January 20 Jordan was set apart as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I realized late Tuesday night that we had missed Jordan's appointment for his last set of shots. So Wed. morning early he and Nicia (he needed a companion) went to get his shots. It turns out that in November they actually gave him the wrong shots (how can that happen???) so he will still have to go in for one more set of shots before leaving for Mexico in March.
Wednesday, January 21, was the big day Jordan had been waiting for for 4 months, the day he would enter the Missionary Training Center and begin his mission in full-time service to the Lord. Late that morning we continued our tradition of having lunch beforehand at Magleby's Restaurant. We got camera happy, so here are a few pictures of the crew at lunch:

Elder Jordan Ritter


Smiles from Nicia & Andrew

A proud Mom

Another proud parent




Alyssa chowing down on the breadsticks (they're to die for)

little sister, big brother

Jordan, Justin, and Grandpa Bascom enjoying the moment


Then it was off to the Missionary Training Center in Provo where Elder Ritter will spend 2 months learning Spanish and preparing to teach the gospel in Mexico.



Elder Ritter and Justin
Elder Ritter and Andrew
Elder Ritter with Grandma & Grandpa Bascom

Jordan takes care of the administration stuff at the entrance of the MTC, and we all go into a large meeting room filled with families and missionaries, several hundred people. They hold a short meeting with the MTC president and his wife, and everyone sings "Called To Serve", which is just an awesome experience. We're advised to use the "taking off a band-aid" method in saying goodbye, the quicker, the better. We all give Jordan hugs and kisses, and a few tears are shed as it will be the last time we see him for 2 years. It's an emotional, but joyous time. Jordan leaves through one door, and we leave through another. I peek out the door Jordan has left through and watch my child who is grown up now, walk down the hallway and around the corner. A young man prepared and ready to embark on a wonderful journey as he serves the Lord. My heart is full as I leave the MTC, and I feel such a gratitude for all my blessings, especially the blessing of my children serving full-time missions for the Lord.

10 comments:

Jared said...

Jordan looks so happy with his Orange Dot of Noob-ness

Esther said...

How exciting. I was thinking of you the day he left. That must be such a great feeling. How wonderful. I hope everything goes well with him. Way to go for having all three go on missions. That is really neat.

Stephanie said...

Congratulations to Elder Ritter. I think he'll be a wonderful missionary. It reminds me of my brother, who is going to be home from his mission later this year. I'm so excited to see him!

Sarah said...

It's hard to believe he's already a missionary! In my mind, I still picture him as a 16 year old. Time flies!

He will be a great missionary. I'm excited to hear about all of his experiences.

Jake & Lisa Danes said...

How exciting for your family! Jordan will be an awesome missionary!

Grandma Danes said...

Loved all your pictures! They bring back great memories of taking our missionaries there, and of going there ourselves. I feel bad all over that we couldn't be there.

Annette said...

Looks like it was a great day! I love your background.

Michelle said...

I can't believe he is already that old! All these young men growing up and getting taller than me, going off to serve the Lord. It's an awesome thing!

Rachel Holloway said...

How exciting! I can't believe he is grown and gone--he will do great because you have raised him to be that way. :)

Amy Martin said...

I have to say that I really admire you Kathy. You are an amazing mother and have raised some very fantastic children. I am so grateful for all the times you let me tag along with your family and sleep over, I really appreciate the wonderful influence your family has been on my life. I am sure Jordan will make a wonderful missionary, just like Caitlin has.