It's all about the Prep

Matthew met with the Bishop on Sunday to discuss preparing for his mission.  The Bishop gave him a clear path to follow, starting with getting a missionary style hair cut.  We'll get that done this week as we were planning for our family picture on Christmas day anyway, so, two birds with one scissors so to speak. 

Next he needs to start attending Mission Prep classes every Sunday at 8am, and Young Men's meetings on Wednesday evenings, and make sure he attends all of his classes on Sundays.  Other than that, things are moving along nicely. 

Shave and a hair cut

Well, a shave at least.

Last night ended No Shave November for Matthew.  He officially shaved off the substantial beard he had been working on.

Next up, a respectable hair cut for family pictures and his missionary picture. 

Shorter timeline than we thought

The November Ensign just came, and the information from October conference regarding the earlier age for missionaries was detailed.  I hadn't realized that Matthew could submit his mission papers up to 120 days prior to when he would want to enter the MTC, and that he doesn't have to have his GED (since he was homeschooled for most of his life he won't be graduating from his high school) until he is ready to enter the MTC. 

What that means to Matthew is that he could possibly submit his papers as early as December 14th.  Wow, that just feels way too soon, but, maybe it's a good thing.  Matthew could be on his mission in June, which means not too much hanging out doing nothing time.  I've always said that year between 18 and 19 is far too tempting and dangerous for our young men.  Still, he's so young, it will be hard to let him leave.

We have a lot of preparing and thinking we have less than five months to do it in, well, guess that means we should get started as soon as Christmas is over.  He will need to meet with the Bishop first, to get his opinion and thoughts on the timeline and together they can make a reasonable game plan.  Some of his fellow Priests have already gotten their calls, and the momentum is going to continue. 

 We will be purchasing new luggage for Matthew, these are the specifications suggested.

 

Luggage Specifications

Missionaries are asked to follow these guidelines when selecting their three (3) luggage pieces:

1. Two pieces checked, one carry-on.
   1. 1st checked piece no larger than 62 dimensional inches, and no heavier than 70 lb.
   2. 2nd checked piece no larger than 55 dimensional inches and no heavier than 70 lb.
2. Carry-on piece no larger than 45 dimensional inches.

To calculate dimensional inches, add the height, width, and depth of the suitcase.
No other general restrictions are given; however, the missionary may receive additional instructions about his/her luggage upon receipt of the call.

First Steps

This is the blog that will track Elder Matthew Anderson during the course of his preparation for a mission, the call, his journey, and completion.  As frequently as we can we will post pictures and updates.  At this time, Matthew has chosen to serve a two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  As he is seventeen years old, he has to wait until he turns eighteen before he can submit his paperwork.  During the interim he will be preparing himself to serve a worthy mission, and we will be preparing what he needs to take with him.  We won't know where he is going until his mission call comes in the mail, so, specifics like, will he need a heavy coat and boots, will have to wait, but, much of what he will take with him is pretty standard.

This is the list of basics:

• 10 – 12 White shirts (some short sleeve and some long sleeve)
• 2 Dark colored, Conservative Suits
• 5 – 6 Pair of dress slacks
• 5 – 6 Conservative ties
• 8 – 10 Solid, dark colored socks
• 2 Pairs of thick-soled, comfortable, conservative shoes.
• 8 – 10 Pairs of temple garments
• Waterproof, winter boots, as needed
• Dark overcoat with liner, as needed
• Pajamas, robe, and slippers, as needed
• Dark raincoat, lightweight plastic or nylon
• Cold-weather gear (gloves, scarf, ear-muffs, winter hat, thermals) as needed
• Sweater(s), solid dark color, as needed
• Umbrella
• Pair of flip-flops/shower shoes
• Shaving equipment
• Deodorant and other toiletries
• Set of work clothes and gym clothes (jeans, t-shirt, shorts, athletic shoes, etc.)
• Small first-aid kit, and sewing kit
• Alarm clock (wind-up or battery)
• 2 Towels, washcloths
• Twin-size bed sheets with pillowcase
• Backpack
• Sunscreen and lip balm, as needed

Read more at: LDS Missionary Clothing List — Mormon Mission Prep http://www.mormonmissionprep.com/lds-missionary-supplies/clothing-list/#ixzz29LJE8ZGA