Entering the MTC

Well, it was exactly as I had been told. A short and sweet send off to the MTC. I had only time for a quick hug, told him that I loved him, and how proud I was of him. Then, I cupped his face in my hands, and told him that I didn't want to see his face for at least two years. He smiled down at me and said, "it's a deal". My eyes filled with tears, but I held my composure in front of him. My husband told him to play hard, but work harder, and to have fun! That was it, then he was gone! Just time enough for a quick picture with all his luggage, and then another picture of just the back of his head as he's getting lost in the crowd of Elders and dark suits as he's getting led away towards the doors of the MTC. He was already in conversation with the Elders that were escorting him, and didn't even look back. It was all good, no time to feel sad! That's the best way! We received an e-mail late Wednesday night saying that our missionary, Elder Jensen , had been checked safely into the Mission Training Center. Thus, the journey begins!

Can't You Just Tell I'm a Proud Mother

Set Apart as a New Missionary

Zach's Mission Farewell

Zach spoke in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday March 21st, 2010. He expressed to me how nervous he was, but I thought he gave a great talk. He spoke on being "Born Again" and what that meant to many people, not only members of the church, but to all people in different ways that are looking for a re-commitment of the promises they made to their Heavenly Father.

He had a great turn out at the luncheon following church. We barely all fit in the house, there must have been over 60 people wandering through at any given time. It was great for Zach to be able to visit family and friends this way, he said to say "Thank You" all for coming out and supporting him. He got to eat a lot of his most favorite foods, and had a great time visiting his friends and family. He had a smile on his face, and I heard lots of laughter, so this was great medicine for his nervous and anxious sole. Thanks again for all your support!

Temple's and Temple Work

Zach was Endowed in the Twin Falls Temple on Friday, February 19th 2010, just 8 days after recieving his Mission Call. He wanted to get endowed as soon as possible in order to enjoy attending the Temple several times before entering the MTC. This picture shows him infront of the Twin Falls Temple on his endowment day. We had planned a spring road trip with Zach towards the end of March, but had to move that trip up a few weeks because of his date assigned to enter the MTC. So, south we headed to the Grand Canyon, visiting family and friends along the way in St. George, Las Vegas, and Phoenix. Zach was able to attend a session at the Mesa Arizona Temple, which happens to be one of his most favorite Temples. Since then he has done a session at the Boise Idaho Temple and has plans to attend a session at the Mt. Timpanogous Temple and the Salt Lake Temple before entering the MTC.

Why Romania?

Dear Family and Friends,
Just wanted to share something with you all: As you already know Zach has been called to serve in the Romania, Bucharest Mission and he is thrilled! As many of you know this has been a long and challenging process ongoing since last fall. The paperwork was never really the issue, it was other challenges and stumbling blocks along the way. Such as; getting interviews set up, Zach trying to decide whether to go to College or not, dealing with the loss of Grandma Pat, traveling time between Burley and SLC for the interviews, Dr. appointments, etc. We always felt that there had to be something or some reason why we had so many discouraging delays and challenges. But, now we know why. I've always said, the Lord had better have something really special in store for Zach. So here's the rest of the story:
I'm not sure if you have all heard of the recent loss of two extraordinary LDS Missionaries that succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning after going to bed in their apartment on January 29th. They both died in their sleep from an accidental leak of the gas. Interestingly enough, Zach's interview with the Stake President had been delayed almost one whole month after his papers had been submitted before Christmas. Our Stake Pres, unknown to us had knee surgery the first part of January. Thus, another delay, so Zach would not be able to have his final interview with the Stake President until Thursday Jan 28th. So, finally, Zach had his interview with Pres. Sagers, and was re-assured that he would be submitting his Mission Recommendation that same night to SLC. Ironically, the two missionaries that lost their lives where serving in the Romania, Bucharest Mission. Thus, leaving an opening for two full time missionaries to fill the vacancy. We now know why Zach was reserved for this special reason, to serve in the Romania Bucharest Mission. He understands and knows that these missionaries lost their lives serving the Lord, but he is not afraid. For whatever reason, retrospectively we look back now over the past 6 months and understand why every challenge and step delayed was for this very purpose, to prepare him to handle this Mission Call, and the special circumstances that surrounded it.
We thank you for your love and support, it has been a tough year all around, but now our heart and mind's have been opened to a clearer understanding of why and how the Lord does work in mysterious ways. He has shown us that even with the great sorrow for one family comes the excitement and happiness of another family and why this special mission assignment was reserved especially for Zach. Elder Jensen is super excited, yet, anxious and nervous too, which is to be expected. He knows the Romanian Language will be his biggest challenge yet, but he is more than ready for it! We will keep you all posted as to when his Farewell is and hope that we will see you then.

Love, Linda