The final week and a half before Jesse left was a busy time. After waiting from April to August it was hard to believe that the time for him to leave was really here. Jesse was anxious to get going and join all his buddies in the missionfield.On August 14th we did one last family temple session together. Then on August 16th Jesse spoke in Sacrament Meeting and was assigned the appropriate topic of "When thou art coverted, strengthen thy brethren." He did a great job and he all of a sudden looked like a missionary! Must have been the haircut. Or maybe it was the Ghanaian tie he was wearing. Shannon and Kevin sang a beautiful duet accompanied by Shauna.
The next day on August 17th we had an Open House for Jesse at our home. A big crowd of family and friends stopped in to tell Jesse goodbye and wish him well. What an amazing support system he has!
August 19th, the night before Jesse left, began as a dinner with the whole family there. Then, dressed in our Sunday best, we drove caravan style over to the Stake Center so Jess
e could be set apart. President Hyer asked that the family members all say a few words to Jesse. He felt this would invite the Spirit into the meeting before he set Jesse apart. First, the five returned missionaries in the family spoke beginning with Davis. By the end of Davis' FIRST SENTENCE, he and the rest of us were already in tears. It was incredible to hear how each of the men felt about their own missions and the life-changing impact it had on them. They each gave Jesse a bit of advice as well. Next it was the women's turn to speak, which was equally as powerful. What a blessing it is to hear siblings and brothers & sisters-in-law express love for each other. There was a unifying Spirit in the room that night making it an unforgettable experience. It's easy to see God's hand in the divine organization of the family unit.
Then came the icing on the cake as Jesse was set apart. President Hyer gave him a beautiful and inspired priesthood blessing. He has known Jesse for many years since his son Dallin is one of Jesse's best friends, making the experience even more personal. Following that I was asked to put Jesse's missionary nametag on him. Something I'll never forget!!
So we left the Stake Center after an hour and a half spiritual feast that couldn't have been any better. The perfect send off to a newly called missionary about to leave home.
Next we all drove back home for dessert, and Sid gave Jesse a wonderful Father's Blessing. The grand finale of the evening came when we gathered around as Jesse took his first Doxycycline (anti-Malaria) pill. Or tried to. When I say that Jesse has been blessed with good health during his life, not even swallowing an aspirin, I am not kidding. We were all in h
ysterics because HE COULD NOT DO IT!Everyone had a fool-proof method to give him for swallowing pills. But nothing seemed to work. Each time he would spit the little capsule back out of his mouth. So there we were laughing ourselves silly after the earlier crying fest. He never was able to swallow the pill down. He actually ended up CHEWING the Doxy pill as a last resort. When it comes to jump-serving a volleyball for game point in front of hundreds of screaming people - no problem. But ask him to swallow a tiny blue gelatin capsule? Nope, too hard.
I hope he gets that figured out in Africa.
