The Journey Begins


On April 11, 2022 Jackson went to Bronson and Delaney's apartment in Provo with a couple of friends to open his mission call.
The smile says it all.
He got a little emotional as he read that he would be serving in the Italy Milan Mission.
His service would begin with home MTC training starting on August 15, 2022.
He would be preparing to teach the gospel in the Italian language.




Once home from BYU, we began preparations for Jackson's missionary service. One huge step was for him to receive his endowments, which he did on August 12, 2022 in the Columbia River Washington temple. 


Jackson spoke at church in the Paradise Ward on August 14, 2022. We had a small get together after to celebrate him beginning his home MTC training the next day. Aunt Lacey and Kelsey and their families, along with Grandma and Grandpa were able to attend. 




Jackson spent about 10 days in home MTC training. Most of it was done in a bedroom downstairs where he could be removed from distractions and able to video conference with his teachers and district members. Sometimes, he would spend time upstairs with us, especially during language lessons, which he would sometimes enlist us as 'students.' We also spent quite a bit of time together as a family on Sundays, as Jackson did not have MTC and language classes on those days, though he would have devotionals and other meetings with MTC leaders.

On August 25, 2022 we left to drive to Provo. We went a few days early so that Jackson could meet his nephew, Orson Scott and be present and participate in his baby blessing circle on August 28th. 
 
Baby Orson seemed aware that Jackson had a special spirit about him. He sat and cooed and smiled at him for quite a while! 
Later that day, Carson and Dad had to drive back home so Dad could work and Carson could start his first day of school. They said their goodbyes to Jackson.
Three days later, on August 31, 2022 the rest of us took Jackson and dropped him off at the MTC.
First, a picture for his mission plaque that would hang in the hallway of the stake center at home in West Richland. 
Too excited for tears, we said our happy goodbyes! (Baby Orson is sleeping in the car next to the curb a couple feet away :) 
Last time Mom will hold him in her arms for a while!

Not goodbye, just see you later. 















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