Today at 6:45pm Ian flies out to Guatemala.  He will arrive at 7:45am there because of layovers.  He woke up early to hug his siblings and gave them each a little present this week. His buddy Dean was his "companion" yesterday as he was set apart on Sunday evening.   Today his dad is his companion.

For those that don't know what a mission entails....   first off Ian and us as a family have saved for him to be able to serve. It is all at his own expense.  He has put his education on hold to serve the Lord.  We as members of this church believe this is a blessing and something the Lord has asked of us.  Boys go at 18 and girls go at 19.  While serving his primary jobs will be teaching the gospel and service to those of his called area.  (Chase chopped tons and tons of wood on his mission.) Each missionary comes home a more amazing person. Although it feels like a sacrifice I can attest it is such a blessing. I see the man his brother is from serving the Lord on a mission and I already see how Ian has grown into an amazing man just getting ready and staying worthy to serve.   He gets to check his mail each day on Monday and calls home on Christmas and Mother's day.  His email will be on this blog. Unfortunately packages don't usually make it to the missionaries in Guatemala. But letters can. So you're welcome to send letters if you'd like but emails are more of a sure thing.