Matthew's Packing List

Matthew's Mission Specific Packing List

Since we now know that Matthew is going to be serving in Kentucky, and based on the temps and weather conditions there, I am compiling a packing list specifically for his needs.  I will periodically revise and update this list as I talk to people and learn more about Kentucky and the mission itself.  For now, here is it.

Suits- 2 good quality 2 pant suits- Matthew has chosen the Robbins and Brooks Gold suit, black, 38 long with pant outseam of 41.75. 

Shirts-White , 5 long sleeve and 6 short sleeve.  Matthew has chosen the Edwards Long Sleeve Oxford and Short Sleeve Oxford size medium, arm length 34x35  about a 15 1/2 inch neck

Ties- 5-6  Matthew prefers deep blues, blacks, and charcoals, some with stripes but never paisley, and always a conservative look.

Pants- two or three additional pair, in black

Belts- 2  Matthew has chosen the slider at missionary mall.

Thermal Underwear- two sets , we will be sending those onto him after the first part of September, as he won't need them before then and it will save packing space and weight.  

Shoes- 2 pair, Matthew has chosen the Dansko slip on size 44 in black, and we will also get him a second pair of the same shoe in a lace up.

Winter Boots- Propet Badlands Boot , black, size 10 1/2 to 11

Socks- 10-12 pair walking socks at missionary mall

Exercise Clothing- a couple sets of shorts, t shirt, socks, sweatshirt, and a pair of sport shoes and a supportive undergarment

Other activities- two casual shirts and two pair pants

Coat- Dark with zip out liner

Cold Weather Accessories- Gloves, scarf, beanie

Sweaters- 2 V neck dark color, sold no patterns or prints

Pajamas- 2 sets with 1 set of robe and slippers

Shower sandals

Baptismal clothing- white pants, white socks, white tie, white shirt

Garments- 10 pair

first aid and meds kit, umbrella, clothes hangars, camera, alarm clock, bath towel hand towel and washcloth, bedding, personal supplies, sun screen and lip balm, sewing kit, shoe shine kit, laundry bag, small flashlight, extra batteries, plain inexpensive watch

He will also need to bring with him his Driver's license, driving record obtained from the DMV, and enough in his personal funds to purchase a bike, helmet and lock (about $400).  We will get him a debit card from the credit union for him to use to get cash for personal use.  He will also need copies of insurance information and emergency contact info.

Kentucky, Louisville Mission

Kentucky, Louisville Mission

Elder Matthew Anderson was called to the Kentucky, Louisville Mission.  He leaves for the MTC on July 10th.  We are beyond thrilled for him.  And yes, it is an English speaking mission.

It's here! It's here!

The Payson Post Office, the main hub in our area, called this morning to tell us that Elder Matthew Timothy Anderson's mission call had arrived and asked how we wanted it.  We could have run right over and picked it up, or waited til 9am to pick it up in Salem at our little post office, or  just wait for it to be delivered later today.  I opted for delivery later so Matthew could be here and take delivery himself.

This could be the week!

On Easter Sunday the Bishop told Matthew that his mission call should arrive sometime this week, possibly Wednesday or Thursday.  We are all so excited.  We really weren't expecting it til next week at the earliest, but, what that means based on the information I have gleaned is the assignment is probably being made today.  Tuesdays typically are the day, so, while I type this, someone in Salt Lake City is probably putting Matt's mission call in the mail or it may already be on it's way to the main post office in Salt Lake.  Mail takes one day to get from one point in Utah to the other, so, tomorrow or Thursday should see his call arriving.

Most missionaries open their call in front of their family and friends and find out along with them where they are going to serve, but, Matthew wants to open it when it gets here, and plan a game for everyone to guess the location, and serve treats based on the region or area foods.  I can understand him not wanting to find out in front of everyone else.  He has some real concerns about where he may be sent, and it will possibly take a settling in period for him to embrace wherever it is, unless of course it is a place he already wants to go, like Scotland/Ireland, or the southeast of the US.  Anywhere else may take some time for him to learn about the place and gather information that will help him become excited about serving there for two years.  That's just the way he is.

So, since I will be helping with the treats, I will at least get to read it with him.

Meeting with Stake President complete

Well, that was pretty much the last step for Matthew's mission paperwork that we take before they are sent to Salt Lake.  The Stake President found Matt to be worthy to serve a full time mission, and gave him a mutual agreement to sign agreeing to attend Institute classes on Tuesday nights, and Mission Prep classes on Sunday mornings, have weekly meetings alternately with the Bishop and a member of the Stake Presidency to track his preparations,  and a few other things that have to do with preparing himself for his missionary service. 

Apparently whomever is reviewing the medical paperwork hasn't sent it onto the Stake President as of last night, so, as soon as that happens the wait begins. 

Interview with Bishop complete

Bishop's Final Interview!!

Today Matthew had his final interview with the Bishop.  He is a "Grade A" missionary candidate, and has nothing holding him back from serving a full time mission.  The Bishop reminded him that a mission will change him for the better, and not just for the time that he is serving, but, for the rest of his life.  He will never be the same again.  He also asked Matthew if he knew where he might be called.  For a while now Matt has thought perhaps San Antonio Texas or San Jose California.  He is hoping for Scotland/Ireland or Atlanta Georgia.  But, today, he admitted that he has no idea anymore where he might be called. 

After he came home he, as instructed by the Bishop, contacted the Stake Executive Secretary to make an appointment with the Stake President for a final review of his paperwork and to be endorsed for a full time mission.  He now has to wait to hear back from the Executive Secretary and will probably meet with the Stake President on Wednesday of this week.  After that, his paperwork is sent back to the Bishop who forwards it onto the Church offices in Salt Lake where his call will be assigned. 

One of the sisters in the ward said that calls seem to be coming on Fridays for our area, so, perhaps two weeks from this Friday we will be finding out where Matthew will be serving.  Possibly April 5th.  I guess we'll see how quickly it all happens now that we're reaching the end of the process.

Papers submitted to the Bishop

Today we submitted Matt's paperwork through the online system and just have to wait now for the Bishop to call to meet with Matt in order to sign off on the submission.  Then it goes to the Stake President for the same thing, and then he sends it onto Salt Lake.

We spent this afternoon finishing the last bit needed to submit, which was his photo.  The guidelines say they need to be taken in full missionary attire, groomed according to mission standards, so, as Matt wanted his pictures taken outside, and it just happens to be a gorgeous, sun shiney day, we took most of them in the  backyard.  The few we did take inside just didn't turn out as nice as the outdoor shots.

The official photo sent with his paperwork.  

His medical paperwork should be sent by Monday, unless there are problems with the test results, which, I don't think there will be, but, you just never know.

It all feels a bit unreal right now.  Our two older boys did not serve missions, one because choices and circumstances prevented it, and the other simply fell away from the church.  Matthew will be the first missionary ever to serve from both sides of our family.  It's so exciting, and still, I have plenty of moments of sadness that I will not have my boy here with me for two years.  I'm not sure how I'll get through letting him go, but, he will be in the Lord's hands and will have a good mission family surrounding him all the time.