Paynter Place

The last few days with Jordan...

Sunday was Jordan's farewell talk. He spoke on a testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel. He concluded with a quote from Michael Jackson....don't ask. He's gonna "make a change." Family and friends gathered at our house after church for soup and rolls. Thanks to the many people who contributed to the meal! These are the last of Jordan's buddies who are waiting to serve the Lord. What an awesome army.

Monday, we went to the Salt Lake Temple with the Labits, and Jordan baptized and confirmed his siblings and cousins for 68 of the Labit family ancestors. I was touched to see my sons and daughters participate together in this saving-ordinance of baptism.

As Jordan repeated the phrase "Having been commissioned of Jesus Christ..." over and over again, I was amazed to think that Jordan's priesthood authority comes from a direct line back to the Savior. I was proud of Jordan's choices to be worthy and now to go forward as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, sharing the gospel with the people of Mexico, and performing that same ordinance for men and women who receive a confirmation of the truthfulness of his message.

That evening, we went to The Roof restaurant on the top of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. The Woolfs gave us a gift certificate here for Christmas. We have saved it all year, waiting for the "right" time to go. Tonight seemed like the right time! It was incredible. Thanks, Bob and Kathleen!

The picture says it all...this Oreo pie was to die for.

Would it be sacriligious to say it was "heavenly, celestial...?"

Tuesday night, Jordan was set apart as an elder for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

President Pope advised him to 1) be obedient; 2) work hard; and 3) have fun.

We returned home to sip some authentic Abuelita Mexican hot chocolate, supplied by the Hursts (friends of the Labits).

Late that night, Jordan confided in me that he didn't feel sad leaving all his family and friends. He figured he eventually would, but for now he just wanted to go and serve.

That smile hasn't diminished since he got his call to Pachuca, Mexico.

The MTC...