Jarrad Larsen, from Chico, California, is serving for two years as a volunteer missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Australia Sydney South Mission.
We did it! We dropped off our oldest son and brother, Elder Jarrad Larsen, at the Missionary Training Center (MTC). We will miss him, but are so excited for the labor of love that he will be doing for 2 years.
The MTC has a highly efficient missionary drop off plan - we sabotaged it! We put Jarrad's luggage at the bottom of the van, which took extra time to unload. Jarrad had 7 family members to hug, that took more time. And then when Jarrad left, Jarrad's dad started raising arms high and shouting "Hurrah for Israel!" (ever see the movie The Other Side of Heaven?). All of the missionaries thought he was crazy. We're sure Elder Larsen was embarrassed. But it helped us laugh through our tears!
Oh, and Dad was asked to vacate the parking spot so other missionaries could be unloaded. (:
Someone gave us the great idea that we should spend our crying time across the street at the Provo Utah LDS Temple. We did that and it was a great idea. Here are some photos of Jarrad and his Family.
Final goodbye with Moana.
Jarrad with younger brothers Jens and Ezra.
Jarrad with younger sister, Kaysie.
Jarrad with Mom and Dad.
Goodbye, Mom.
Jarrad with big sister, Cami.
Jarrad met another missionary bound for Australia Sydney South Mission, Elder McArthur from Gunnison, Utah.
I was so happy to see your beautiful pictures (as I wipe my tears). You have always been such an enchanted family to me and we will be forever grateful to you guys for being the kind example to us while we were investigating the church and taking our lessons. Four years later, we are still strong in the gospel. The church is true. We are so grateful to Heavenly Father for putting you wonderful people in our path. We love you guys and are so very proud of Jarrad! We know he will bring many brothers and sisters to the Gospel. We will keep Elder Larsen in our prayers. <3
Thanks, Marisol, for those sweet words. We have also been very blessed by knowing you and following your progress. We are super excited for you and your new husband. Thanks for praying for Jarrad! We will be praying too!
Oh man, I cried watching that video! A.J. and I are both so proud of Jarrad and can't wait to follow his progress over these next two years. He will be an excellent missionary; you've raised him very well. We will be praying for his safe and happy travels.
Time goes by so fast , just yesterday Elder Jarrad was a little boy. Makes one feel good and strong to watch him grow into a fine young man and going on his mission. God bless him and he will do good. I still feel your guidance in helping me to be a good Christian in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Lynn you and your family are so blessed .
I was so happy to see your beautiful pictures (as I wipe my tears). You have always been such an enchanted family to me and we will be forever grateful to you guys for being the kind example to us while we were investigating the church and taking our lessons. Four years later, we are still strong in the gospel. The church is true. We are so grateful to Heavenly Father for putting you wonderful people in our path. We love you guys and are so very proud of Jarrad! We know he will bring many brothers and sisters to the Gospel. We will keep Elder Larsen in our prayers. <3
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marisol, for those sweet words. We have also been very blessed by knowing you and following your progress. We are super excited for you and your new husband. Thanks for praying for Jarrad! We will be praying too!
DeleteOh man, I cried watching that video! A.J. and I are both so proud of Jarrad and can't wait to follow his progress over these next two years. He will be an excellent missionary; you've raised him very well. We will be praying for his safe and happy travels.
ReplyDeleteRis and AJ - you guys have helped Jarrad prepare so much! Thank you! We will keep you up to date on how he's doing. You can follow here. :)
DeleteTime goes by so fast , just yesterday Elder Jarrad was a little boy. Makes one feel good and strong to watch him grow into a fine young man and going on his mission. God bless him and he will do good. I still feel your guidance in helping me to be a good Christian in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Lynn you and your family are so blessed .
ReplyDeleteThanks, my brother. We are blessed, as are you. Jarrad's mission is influencing us in positive ways.
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