Comprehensive Elder packing list

Elder’s Clothing Needs

Hot                        Warm                   Cold                                       Item

10-12 short	3-4 long 7-8 short	7-8 long 3-4 short	White Shirts, wash and wear; not easily wrinkled; business like style
1	1-2	2	Suit(s), traditional style and cut, conservative, dark colors; no sport coats. No baggy or pegged pants. Extreme or faddish styles are inappropriate. A suit coat is required while at the MTC and while traveling to and from the mission field; the extent to which you wear a suit coat in the field will be determined by your mission president.
1-2	1-2	`1-2	Belts; black or dark brown, with conservative buckles
5-6	5-6	5-6	Pair of dress slacks; machine washable; dark, single color with a conservative cut; no extreme or faddish styles; no tan or light colored; no casual fabrics such as denim or cotton twill or other fabrics that wrinkle easily; no baggy or pegged pants
8-10	8-10	8-10	Pairs of socks; solid, dark colored to match clothing
2	2	2	Pairs of strong, sturdy, thick-soled shoes or low cut boots, conservative, comfortable, oxford style, black, dark brown, or cordovan; no tall boots, suede, canvas, or fad shoes; light-colored stitching and laces must be dyed or colored
8-10	8-10	8-10	Pairs of garments
Each	Each	Each	Pajamas, robe, and slippers, as needed
8-10	8-10	8-10	Handkerchiefs
0	0	1	Pair of Sorel type winter boots, waterproof
0	0	1	Dark heavy winter coat with a zip out liner
1	1	1	Umbrella
1	1	1	Pair of flip flops or shower shoes
1	1	1	Set of personal toiletries and shaving equipment, as needed
1	1	1	Set of baptismal Clothing
1-2	1-2	1-2	Set of clothing for work and P day activities; pants must be full length
1	1	1	Set of gym clothes: shorts, t shirt, athletic shoes, socks
Each	Each	Each	Small first-aid kit, small sewing kit, wind-up or battery alarm clock, and laundry bag
2	2	2	Towels, washcloths, and hand towels
0	1-2	1-2	Blankets
1	2	2	Twin sized flat bed sheets with 2 pillowcases
1	1	1	Backpack; church approved-may be purchased at the MTC
			Money

Let the paperwork begin

Today Matthew had his interview with the Bishop and was recommended to begin his paperwork.  I like that it's all online, makes it so much easier to fill out, most of it is just checking boxes.  He was able to choose a login name and password so that he would be able to remember them.  Now we just have to make appointments for the physical exam, the dental exam, have his picture taken for his passport, have his mission picture taken (probably at the same time), and send his passport application off through the county clerk's office.  His current passport hasn't expired, but, he was just fourteen when we got it, so, he doesn't exactly look like he does now.

He was pretty excited when he got home from his interview.  He strutted up the walk, with a broad smile.  He could see me through the living room window and gave me a thumbs up.  After all that he's been through, he has really come a long way.  I am so proud of him I could bust.

Since he will only be 18 when he leaves for his mission, he will need to get his GED.  He put June 15th as the earliest he would be available to leave, so, between now and then he will need to take it.

One of the categories on the forms for his mission asked about what languages he has either spoken or learned, how many years did he study and what was his average grade.  He has taken Japanese and German, so we put those on there, and gave a C for his average grade.  Then it asks if he was interested in a foreign speaking mission, he checked no, and then it goes on to ask how comfortable he would be learning a language, and he checked Not Very Comfortable.

In the comments box at the bottom he said he prefers an English speaking mission, but, that it did not need to be in the United States.  So, we shall see if he gets what he wants or not.  Only the Lord knows where he needs to serve.