Heard from the boy!!

In yesterday's mail came Geoff's first letter home. It was written during the afternoon of his first day there. His companion is Elder Thompson and he's from Colorado. There are four Elders in his MTC district that will be going to Las Vegas together in 2 weeks. It's hard to know how he was really feeling -but he wasn't writing about trying to make a break for it...so that's good news!

We've read that short letter easily 50 times since we got it...And we know not to expect a letter until next Monday, as he won't be writing again until his Wednesday "p-day" (preparation day). Can't wait to get an actual report on how life is going in the MTC.

Sending Mail

To send mail to Elder Taylor, here is where to send it:

At the Mission Home in Las Vegas
Elder Geoffrey Edward Taylor
Nevada Las Vegas West Mission
4455 Allen Lane
North Las Vegas, NV 89013

Via the Interwebs
cocochutzpuh@yahoo.com


Or you can use DearElder.com. There is a charge of $0.39 to send letters to the mission, but if you don't have stamps - this might be a good option!

He is now the Lord's missionary...

We finally arrived at the MTC about 12:30 p.m. for our 1:00 p.m. official time. Geoff was so ready to "light this candle." The Missionary Training Center is one seriously well oiled machine - from dropping off luggage to getting your meal card to knowing where to be and where to sit. There was nothing but friendly and excited faces helping us at every turn. Here are the final images we could take of our missionary.At each turn, even step, we were given instructions and explanations - here he learns about the meal card

This is the sister who's sole job is to use seam rippers to open the pockets on a gazillion new suits.

Mother gets to make her boy an official missonary

And yes, she's shedding a few tears about it

But with his proud parents we're about to head down the hall to say our final good-byes

Going to the MTC...

On Tuesday, February 20 the four Taylors headed down to Provo, Utah. We spent the longest night of our lives in the La Quinta Inn in Orem - and people with colds sure can snore!! We spent a lot of time killing time, waiting for our big moment to arrive - but here are a few pictures of our waiting around...

Being set apart

On Monday, February 19 we went to the Beaverton Oregon West Stake Center for Geoffrey to become Elder Taylor. President Dalton set Geoff apart and gave him a wonderful blessing. It was a special night that we were grateful to share with some dear friends.

The family with the newest Elder

From left to right: President Bell, President Dalton, Elder Taylor, and President Gale

The Elder with Bill and Merrie Boland

Elder Taylor with the Boersma Family

Elder Taylor with the Garrett family

The Open House...

On Sunday, February 18, 2007 we had an open house for friends from the ward to come and say good-bye and wish the Elder well.Geoff makes some awesome punch - and yes, he chose that shirt his own self...

We had cake and a veggie platter
...and baby quiches...
The Garretts came

And Ian and Katie Maxwell

And Dad talked to Merrie Boland about all the awesome food. We sure were grateful for all the support from all of our friends and ward members!!

The NOT FAREWELL Farewll

These are pictures of the day that Geoff spoke in the Murrayhill Ward for the last time before leaving on his mission, Sunday, February 11, 2007Geoff and Dad - I assure you they like each other...what's with his Popeye face?
Grandma has come in to fix Geoff's...jacket. It kept bunching up whenever he put his arms around people.
Brent and Geoff - always rough housing
I can't tell if we're cringing because he's leaving or if it's just having to pretend to like each other
Uncle Donald - I believe this is the "taking names" portion of the day