Bags

Two years in three bags

If you've ever wondered if it's possible to pack, literally pack, two years worth of living into two checked bags, each weighing 50 lbs. or less (thanks, fascist airline baggage weight limits), I am here to report that it is indeed possible. The image to the right shows The Boy's life for the next two years, packed into those three bags. It's all in there. Suffice to say, there's not a lot of room for extras in there. Can I just say how good it is that he wasn't going to some place with a some harsh winter climate?! We'd have been done for if we were packing all manner of coats, etc. It's a good thing mosquito netting and industrial-strength insect repellent packs in a compact way.

It's here. What began nineteen years ago with his birth is now here. Like the lyrics to the late John Denver's song 'Leaving On A Jet Plane', his bags are packed and he's ready to go (I can't be the only one who can't get over the irony of the fact that Denver died in a plane crash, am I?). He was set apart as a full-time missionary tonight (read more about that HERE in his mission blog. He's no longer The Boy. He is Elder Lyons.

Not only is it here, it's real. He's been saying good-bye to friends all day. He's turned over his phone to us. He's turned off his music. He leaves tomorrow for six weeks of intense training to ready him for his life in Mexico. He's getting in the 'zone' tonight. He knows his life is changing.

We can't wait to see this unfold. The next two years are going to be an adventure. I'm just glad we've got another day with him before it all begins. I'm even more grateful for the nineteen years of adventure he's already given us.

Godspeed, Elder Lyons.