Setting Apart

On Tuesday night, we went with Matthew to the stake offices to be set apart.

President Delis first spent some time with the family, talking to all of us about the responsibilities of missionaries and particularly of the responsibility to gain and teach by the Spirit.  He asked JJ to come and help him read some scriptures, which she was proud and happy to do.

He gave Matthew a blessing and set him apart to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

After the setting apart, this whole thing we've all been thinking about, preparing for, working for became a reality.  The reality of it hit a lot of us strongly.  There were a lot of tears as siblings (and parents) thought about missing Matthew for a couple of years, but we were also so happy and excited for him to get started.

We really love our stake president and the wisdom and counsel that he has given our family over the years.  He is a great man and we were so happy to have him be there to bless Matthew and help him begin this journey.