Packages

We sent our first package to Jarren.  Kevin ended up calling the Mission Home because their was conflicting information about which address to use and he wanted to ask somebody about duty taxes on his package.  This is what we learned.  If you want to send Jarren a package write Missionary Supplies on the outside of the box.  The address to use is: Elder Jarren Rochester
                                 Sierra Leone Freetown Mission
                                The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
                                 P.O. Box 263
                                Freetown
                                Sierra Leone (West Africa)
The U.S Post Office Boxes were the cheapest and the best way to go
Their flat rate boxes are:  $58.50  Large    $45.50 Medium      $13.95 Small
I still haven't heard any thing from Jarren since the phone call on the 23rd.  Breanne said that his P-day would be on Sunday at the MTC.  I hope he will be able to email us all tomorrow. The Mission Home also said that if his boxes came U.S. mail then he wouldn't have a duty tax to pay on it. 

Happy Birthday, Jarren!

Today is Jarren's birthday! He is 20 years old.

If you would like to send him an email you can email him at:
jarren.rochester@myldsmail.net

If you would like to mail him a letter or a package it is probably best to mail it to the mission instead of the MTC. (Mail takes a while to get there and if a letter is sent to the MTC he will probably be gone by the time it gets there and then they will have to forward it).

Mission address (for packages and letters):
Elder Jarren Rochester
Sierra Leone Freetown Mission
#181 Pademba Road
Belliar Park, Dwarzak Farm
Freetown
Sierra Leone


Or you can send a one-page letter (no envelope, just tape it closed) to the Pouch address.
Pouch address:
Elder Jarren Rochester
Sierra Leone Freetown Mission
POB 30150
Salt Lake City, UT 84130-0150


Happy letter writing!

Seeing Jarren off and Other News

Jarren left Killeen airport with cheer and tears.  It was hard to see him fly off and know that I wouldn't see him for two years.  Jarren called us from the Atlanta airport to let us know that he made it fine.  Today, Saturday, he called to let us know that he made it safely to the Missionary Training Center (MTC).  He said that all of the young men serving in the Sierra Leone mission are grouped together.  He said that his current companion at the MTC is a Samoan named Elder Percell.  Elder P told Jarren that it took him 4 days by boat to get to the MTC.  Jarren rode 11 hours on a plane.  Jarren sounded excited and very happy.  I must say that I feel so much better about him than I did before the call.  He will only be at the MTC for 3 weeks and it take 2 weeks to receive a letter so if you want to write to him while he is there you gotta be quick.  We sent Jarren off with lots of beef jerky.  He said that when they saw him eating it that everyone wanted to try it so he doesn't have any left.  Some of the natives that were there said that they have jerky too but it wasn't nearly as good as his.  Jarren said that he will be able to call me back for Mother's Day so I will post again then. 

Leaving for the MTC

Today Jarren left for the MTC. Kathy, Kevin, Claudia (Kathy's sister), and Breanne went with him to the airport in Killeen.

 Checking in for the flight.

Kathy and Claudia waiting patiently.

All checked in!

Son and father

Always remember where you are from, Jarren!

Group picture before boarding.

It's ok, Mom!

Dad, Jarren, and Mom just before going through security

All ready to go!

Going through security

Bye!

By again!

Waiting to board.

Boarding

 Bye Jarren! We will miss you!

Jarren's plane taxiing on the runway

Off to a layover in Atlanta and then on to Ghana!

We miss you already! See you in two years!!

Packing day

After being set apart by the stake president, Jarren is hard at work getting last minute things gathered and packed. Not knowing what to expect, Jarren is determined to be prepared for anything. He has halzone tablets, strike-anywhere matches, a Swiss army knife, a very elaborate first aid kit, an inkwell for his fountain pen, shoeshine rags, and various and sundry things.