Thursday, August 21, 2008 - First Day in the MTC

We received our first letter! Jon sounds very upbeat. After saying goodbye to Mom, Dad, and Laura, on the first day, he went and picked up his books, and found his room. He met his companion, Elder Doggins. Jon says he is tall and very quiet. Everyone in Jon's room is going to the Nashville, Tennessee mission. That night the elders in his district met their branch president, President Marriot, and they bore their testimonies to each other. Afterward, President Marriot interviewed each Elder in the district and then made Jon the district leader. Jon was surprised but very excited. He will do a great job. It sounds like he is having a great time. He asks us to pray for the missionaries. He is very upbeat and excited to begin this new phase of his life. We're praying for you, Jon!

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - The MTC

The morning finally arrived. Since Dad was Jon's companion, they arose and had companionship scripture study, prayer and then went out tracting in the neighborhood. Just kidding. The morning was spent making final preparations. The suitcase was zipped up for the final time. Jon requested that his last breakfast be at Mimi's Cafe. Jon ate an omelet, a hot blueberry muffin, and a glass of orange juice. After breakfast, Mom, Dad, Jon, and Laura were off to the MTC. Jon checked in and was given his name badge, but it wouldn't fit in his pocket because his front pocket still had the stitching in the seam and it was sewn shut. Apparently, they were in good company - all the new missionaries had forgotten to pick out the seam. The MTC staff passed out seam rippers and moms fixed the pockets so that the name badges would fit. The missionaries were then herded into the large auditorium to watch the famous "Mormon-ads". They were given council by the MTC presidency to make their goodbyes quick like ripping off a band aid quickly so it won't hurt so bad. Jon quickly said his goodbyes and gave one final hug. Laura only got a handshake - mission rules - just kidding! Jon then went quickly through the door. Mom, Dad, and Laura sat in the auditorium and cried. It was a long car ride back to South Jordan! Good Luck, Jon!

Breakfast at Mimi's Cafe

Jon's last meal

At the MTC

Gifted and Talented Missionaries know to pull the door open, not push!

Getting instructions from a very experienced missionary.

Mom realizing his pocket is sewn shut.

Best Friends!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008 - Elder Jonathan D. Hansen

Tuesday night Jonathan was set apart as an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a great night. It was done at Mom and Dad's home with friends and family present. Paul and Julie even got to participate over the Internet. The stake president was there presiding. He asked select family members to share thoughts and give some advice to Jon. Jon was then set apart. At the stake president's request, only a select few were allowed to participate in the circle. Afterward, Jon was able to bear his testimony as a new missionary and new Elder for the church. It was really powerful and neat to see and hear. The stake president told Jon that from that time forth, he was to live the mission rules and have Dad as a companion until he arrived at the MTC. Jon was all smiles. One more sleep until the big day!

Gage and Carter saying goodbye to their favorite uncle.

Madi, Ivy, and Tanner saying goodbye to Uncle Jon in AZ.

Jon with Kimball and Liza.

Sunday, August 17, 2008 - The Farewell

Sunday was the farewell. It was a great day. Mom and Dad worked hard to make sure the house was in order and to make sure that everything was perfect. Mom had been baking for weeks to make sure enough food was ready. Jon sang a musical number and then gave a great talk. It was a spiritual meeting. Afterward, family and friends gathered together at Mom and Dad's to visit with Jon and eat some tasty food. Everyone stuffed themselves with sandwiches, mint brownies, eclaires, salads, and other wonderful treats. It was fun to see so many family members, friends, and ward members there supporting Jon. It was a great day!

Here are a few pictures of the open house.

Jon's Farewell Musical Number

Jon's Testimony