Let the adventure begin!

Megan snapped this photo right before Taylor was dropped off at the MTC to start his mission.  Only a few minutes later, he was in the MTC!

On our way to Wyatt’s last basketball game of the season, we stopped by Pres. Stowell’s house and he set me apart as a full-time missionary.  Now we’ll make our way to Utah, visit some family, and report to the MTC on the 4th.

At the St. Louis Temple last week (Feb. 19th) with two weeks left before MTC reporting day.

At the Italian consulate to apply for the long-term visa.

Most tourists don’t need a visa to visit Italy for a short period of time.  However, if you are going to be there for almost 2 years, a visa is required.  Italy is a little different on this score.  Most countries let you send them your passport and they will send it back with a visa.  Italy requires that you show up at a consulate, in person.  There are only 2 Italian consulates in the U.S.:  New York City and Chicago.  Any missionary going to Italy must report, in person, to one of these locations to obtain the required visa.

We were there today, so there is another item checked off of the checklist!  We are lucky to live in Illinois where a visit to the consulate is just a day trip in the car.  Missionaries from Utah and other places have to fly to Chicago for their visa appointment.

It all starts with the mission call. Sorry this video is a little blurry, but it was crowded in the room and the automatic focus zeroed in on something else. But the audio is good and the emotion of the occasion can clearly be felt.  The call arrived on Saturday, October 18th, and the next day, October 19th, the family gathered together around 5:30 p.m. (both in person and via smartphones) for the grand opening.