We're Off

Today we leave for Apia Samoa at 3:15 p.m.  We fly from Dallas to Los Angeles, then to Auckland, New Zealand and then finally to Apia. We should arrive after 3 flights and two long layovers in 36 hours on Wednesday evening Samoa time (Western Samoa is 20 hours ahead of Dallas/Houston).

Last night we met at Eric's house with his family and Bryan's for dinner and to be set apart as full-time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Being set apart involves having our Stake President, David Larsen, lay his hands on our heads (first Angela and then me) and call us as missionaries, and give us each a specific blessing of guidance/direction, support and comfort. Afterwards we spent some time talking about why we were serving another mission and express our love to our kids and grandkids.  And they in turn got to express their feelings to us.  Tears all around, but it was a great experience, only surpassed by having Tyler, Julie, Zachary, Brandon and Jared and Jen here.  We are grateful for all of our boys, their wives and our grandchildren and the support and love they have given us this past year as we have prepared to go.  We love them all and will miss them greatly!

Our Setting Apart by President David Larsen (far left)