Elder Meehan Begins His Missionary Service


Our whole fam--dropping Elder Meehan off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah.


Well, this was a HUGE week for our family:

 Elder Meehan (Jay) began his service as a full-time missionary for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).

 It was really an emotional week, filled with highs and lows. 

We're so happy/excited/proud of Jay for serving a two-year service mission. But it's definitely hard to say goodbye for two years. (We will only have written contact for the next two years. And a phone call on Christmas and Mother's Day.).

 It's a bit like sending him off to college AND Survivor in my mind:

 It's going to be an awesome adventure, filled with experiences that are life-changing.

 He's one amazing kiddo to do this (and we are fortunate to be able to send him).

 Here are some of the photos from his send off at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah. (We are fortunate to live in Utah because we were all able to drop him off and hug him goodbye. Even Harriet the dog!)

 PS: If you'd like to hear more about his mission, you can check out his blog (maintained by me) during the next two years (*We will post his letters, photos for him, since his whole focus is supposed to be service vs. online posting. Hahaha.).

 http://elderjonahmeehan.wordpress.com/

Elder Meehan, we love you to the moon and back. Be safe. Love the people. And know that you are SO loved and special to us. You're in our every thought and prayer.



Hugs, tears, and smiles. We really are excited for Jay.
It's like he's going on a big adventure to do lots of good works in Indiana for 2 years. Way cool. Way fun.
Not an easy decision for an 18 year old. He's a good heart to go. We are grateful Jay's doing this.

Jay and Jr. say goodbye.
(This leaves Jr as the ONLY brother in a home of SISTERS! Ahhhhhh!)

Loading and Unloading Zone at the MTC.
(One thing I love about Mormons, they are organized. Holy cow that drop-off was organized.
Picture Disneyland parking lot.)

Hugging Papaya goodbye.

Other missionaries help "host" the drop-off. It's a well-oiled machine. That part made it easier--so many kind and loving young people welcoming him.

Our family, outside the BYU Marriott Center, just before we dropped him off. Around noon.

Kinda funny, but I bought these little model missionaries last year--because they look like Jay and Jr, our two boys.

And I have to include this photo just to give you an idea of what it's like being married to Dave. He is Mr. Efficiency. He helped pack Jay. This is his favorite part: shrink-wrapping the pillow. That's Jay's childhood pillow, minus air. Toy Story pillowcase, PS.




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