It was a "teary" good-bye at the Portland Airport this morning. When Jake gave me his cell phone -- the last "sacrifice" of worldly possessions -- it finally sunk-in that he really is leaving and we won't be seeing him for a while. It was an emotional moment for Tom and me. Ma Wood, Aubrey & Courtney Wood and Kayla Pickett all came to see Jake off! There wasn't a dry eye.
Eric was very sad to see Jake go. Even though Eric argues frequently with Jake (neither one likes to back-down), he admires Jake a lot and knows that one of his greatest role-models will be gone for a long time. I could tell that Alex was excited for Jake, and that he was thinking about what his "good-bye" will be like when he leaves in about 5 years.
Tom and I were comforted to meet several other missionaries who were also headed to the MTC (CTM) in Sao Paulo. We were worried that he would have to travel alone... Although Jake is very smart, he has a propensity to get flustered in stressful situations. I could tell he was relieved that he would be traveling with several other young men.
Yes, we are looking forward to the letters and seeing Jake's character and testimony mature, month-by-month. We are so happy for him!!
Oh I wish I could have been there to him off. I bet that was an experience no one would forget!
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