I'm Leaving on a Jet Plane

Well, the time has come for James to leave. He did not send an email this week, but instead called the family. He spoke to Jenni for about 10 minutes at the Salt Lake City Airport before his flight took off, then his mom for about 10 minutes as he was boarding. Then he had a layover in Atlanta and called from there and spoke to Emma and his dad for about 10 minutes. He then turned the phone over to other missionaries to call their families (the pay phones in their terminal did not work). He then called Athena for about 10 minutes as he was boarding again. It was a brief visit over the phone, but we were all thrilled to get some time to visit with him.

As far as we know, James made it to Costa Rica without any troubles. We have not heard from him since, but hope to hear from him on his first pday in country - next Monday. When we do, we will post it for you.

He says to tell everyone he loves you and misses you all. He is loving his mission and can't wait to actually teach the people in Costa Rica.

Here is a picture of him with his district and the branch presidency in the MTC.

 Letters and Packages can be sent to him at:

Elder James VanderMeyden
Costa Rica San Jose Mission
Apartado Postal 249-2010
San Jose
Costa Rica

 or you can email him at: james.vandermeyden@myldsmail.net

or you can email him at dearelder.com and they will print it and send it to him via the pouch. Deadline for each week is Sunday night and it will go in the Monday pouch.

Thanks, everyone, for all your love, support, and prayers!