Some Rules were Meant to be Broken

Ok, So I am well aware of all the "guidance" about not sending off missionaries at the airport.  I know, its not "the approved solution".  But before you get all "holier than thou" on me just take a deep breath and read on.

If your a reader of this blog you no doubt know that Elder Drake Loud received a mission call to serve in the Tokyo Japan mission.  As your also probably aware, unless you were in a coma the last month, that Japan suffered a devastating One, Two Punch consisting of a 9.0 earthquake followed by a devastating Tsunami.  As you have also heard the city of Tokyo received some damage from these events.  As you might deduce, that had young Elder Loud's parents full attention. 


So here is a thumbnail sketch of what ensued.

Initially not much changed.  He just kept on learning the Japanese language and how to be a missionary at the MTC in Provo.  However, we later found out as his departure date from Provo approached that he would just be "held" in Provo for a little while until they figured out what to do with him (and all the elders go to the Tokyo & Sendai missions).  After about a week of waiting at the MTC it was decided that they would reassign the missionaries to other missions in Japan.  In fact, the Sendai Mission President was actually released and sent home.  The Tokyo mission president was not however.  All his missionaries were sent to safer areas as well.  Because of this, Drake was reassigned to the Fukuoka mission, located in the south of Japan and including Okinawa.  He was told by the MTC President that this was to be a permanent change.

The plot thickens. . . . .

Upon hearing that his call had changed he was given 5 minutes to call home and tell his parents.  As normal when important events occur it seems, Mike was out of town.   A quick phone call (about 2 minutes) was made to Mom followed by an even quicker one to Dad's cell phone - which was turned off.

With only about a week until his departure and with very little info on any other details ANY information was at a premium.  So on the day of his departure, Monday 18 April, his Dad figured it was probably a good time to go in to the office and check his mailbox.  And lo and behold what do you think he saw?

                                        Why a young, fresh and eager  Elder Loud


So after such a happy coincidence of running into him, a few details on what is happening came to light.  It turns out that the Tokyo Mission President came to the Provo MTC last week and visited with the Elders.  He spoke with them about what is going on in Japan and how, it was his belief that, before too long they would all be returning back to the Tokyo Mission.  All of this was good information and  very well received by missionary and parent alike.  With the dearth of information about the young Elders travel/assignment perhaps a short visit to gather intel was just what the doctor ordered.

So all 22 of the Elders bound for Fukuoka were sent on their way to the land of the rising sun with a few shekels in their pockets to keep their bellies full during their layover, and a couple (or about 110) homemade cookies to snack on along the way.

Oh Deer!

It's been a little cold and snowy lately (as you might be able to see), and well, the animals like it just about as much as we do . . . .

There have been quite a few deer hanging around close to the house lately
So as Mike was out on a trip recently he got a call from his sweet wife:

"Dear, your not going to believe this but . . . " She went on to describe how she was walking by the bedroom window and thought she saw a raccoon's tail by the window.  As she took a closer look she noticed that it wasn't a raccoon but a small deer?! 
(no thanks to our keen eyed watchdog, Gidget)
and apparently one of this years fawns had become separated from the herd.  

 The Plot thickens.  So as Mike returns home the next day he sees the cat scratching at the front door.  On second thought - maybe its not the cat after all.  Upon taking a closer look, Yep, you guessed it the little deer has now taken up residence on the front porch. 

 After an apple and carrot the young buck(?) settled in for a long winters nap on the front doormat.  Warmer than the snow I suppose?

So the moral to this story is quite simple really.  When visiting the Loud's, don't worry too much about the fierce watchdog or the cantankerous feline.  The real hazard is most definitely the doorman - or should we say "deerman"!

Well I have some good news and some bad news. . . . .

It's true, we have had some really great news lately. As with our earlier post, we couldn't be happier about having little baby Scarlet come and join our ever growing family. She is cute as a bug (but, so are all of our grandchildren - BOTH of them) and that is the good news.
For the bad . . . . . . Well really not bad, but maybe just a little sad. Today was the day we took (Drake) Elder Loud to the MTC to start the next 2 years of his life in Japan. We were all dreading today a little bit with emotions running close to the surface.

We've decided that only cute grandchildren can help fill the void.
It all began on Sunday with Drake giving his farewell talk at church. He did a wonderful job speaking - where did he get those kind of skills? Following that a few (yea right - more like small army) descended on our home for soup, sandwiches and some lasting farewells to the departing young man. All his siblings and most of his friends showed up during the course of the weekend.

Then it was a small family birthday party on Monday for his 19th. What do you get someone who already has everything he needs for the next couple of years? How about some stationary to write you? Yea, we thought that was a great idea too!We drove the almost 2 hours down to Provo and got everyone together for lunch at a local Mexican restaurant. Grandma & Grandpa Jackson, as well as all the siblings were there except Josh, Shelby & Aubrey who had to get home to California were in attendance. Drake thought that the likelihood of actually getting anything even remotely resembling Mexican food meant that he better get his fill while he still could. Our guess is that he won't be craving rice and fish over the next few years, but trying to get a good glass of Horchata might be a challenge.

After lunch it was off to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) for a few last minute pic's and hugs. Things were light hearted at first, but after the first few tears started (thanks Des!) the rest of us were struggling a bit.We tried not to think about "Ok, this is the last time we will see this funny, quirky little smile (or fill in the _____) for the next 2 whole years" but sometimes that's not so easy.
Then it was time to get him on his journey. We drove over to drop him off at the "curb and cry" spot to hand him over officially with Des, Zack, Kirsten (actually riding in back on the luggage) Mom and Dad all squeezed into the car. Again, a little somber mood until we rolled up to the curb to see Drakes good friend and hockey playing buddy waiting for him there - Elder Ryan Shepherd. Elder Shepherd has been learning German for the last 6 weeks and will soon be off to meet the people of Berlin, but before leaving he was able to come greet young Elder Loud and usher him off to become the newest missionary for our church. It was great to see him there - 2 good friends reunited, nice.

We will miss that little (ok, so he isn't that little) goober, but he left us a few things to remember him by. Dirty dishes in the sink, cereal left out, a "mostly" clean room, a car completely out of gas, half eaten birthday cake . . . . . and the list goes on. We will see you in 2 years Elder! And then it will be our pleasure to go pick you up in Tokyo and listen to your flawless Japanese as you show us how much you've grown over the past 2 years of your life!

Baby Scarlet!

We have added to our family again!, Justin and Desiree had their beautiful little girl Scarlet on December 10th 2010 at 12:30 am. She was 7lbs 12 0z 19 inches long, and came with out a mark on her, The nurses kept commenting on how she looked like a C-section baby because she was so perfect. Mom and Baby did great, and everyone who mets her is in love! We are loving finally having a grand baby so close!

Where in the World. . . . .

So the day finally arrived! We have been waiting (forever or so it seems) for a certain letter in the mail for young "Elder Loud". Drake submitted his paperwork for serving a mission back in late August and between interviews and people being away on business and or vacations his info finally made it into Church Headquarters. We were all very excited for the mail to come. We made predictions, gave advice, watched his friends receive their calls and yet . . . . . . nothing came in the mail?

After what seemed like eternity to Drake (and at least that long for the rest of us) the envelope showed up. It showed up on Wednesday the 20th of October, that was the good news, unfortunately Mom and Dad were out of the country for some business with Stephanie's company and couldn't make it back from Vancouver BC until the following Monday, 25 October.

Ever the patient son, Drake (much to his parent's joy) decided he would rather wait for his parents to open up his "mail". So Monday they hurried down to Provo with Desiree (who brought his "mail" down with her -- and didn't even take a peak!)

The whole family (almost - sorry Justin) was there. OK, well Josh was on Skype and Shelby the phone while we all gathered at Kirsten and Randal's for the big event. Everyone sent in their guesses (3 each) and the favorites were:

We decided in advance that we would all go out to eat dinner at whatever restaurant best represented where Drake would spend the next 2 years of his life. If your still curious about where he will be you will just have to look for yourself -- I hope its as much fun for you as it was for all of us!