Lastminute-itis

Well, we're getting down to the wire, close to D-Day, in the final throes, in the bottom of the ninth and almost to the end of our ropes, mine at least. Six days and counting, but who's counting? We've got piles and stacks of clothing, under and outer wear, medications, vitamins, personal hygiene products, prescriptions, German language study aids, mission related papers, coats, hats, gloves and shoes in all our bedrooms. Now, the final and biggest task ahead of us is getting it all organized and packed into the correct pieces of luggage. We have our carry-ons to pack with the stuff we will need to tide us over for the four days we will be spending at our daughter Heather's house until we enter the MTC on December 1, with the rest of our stuff going into the two 50 pound suitcases we will each be toting to get us through our 9 day stay there and in Germany for the next 18 months. It is very difficult to decide what will be very needful and what will not. Germany has all four seasons with four different climate changes. We in Fresno have basically two; really, really hot and cool. We are not equipped for the additional really, really cold climate. What will it take to keep us warm? I have no clue. Having not been really, really cold since my undergraduate years at BYU in Provo, Utah many years ago makes it difficult to even imagine being in such a state.
Some of our friends that are planning on serving senior missions in the near future have asked us what they need to do to prepare. Start the application process way early. I would start a good nine months before you want to go It takes a LONG time, at least it did for us. The application can remain active for as long as you need it too. Seriously, our biggest challenges have been in the health care arena. Start seeing your docs regularly and establishing a good relationship with them. Get all your health issues discovered now. Don't wait until you have to fill out the endless pages of your health history and medications and ailments to start considering these things. Be up to date on your shots and recommended "procedures" that may need to be done. If you would like to go abroad the hepatitis shot series you may need takes 6 months to complete!
This whole process has been such a learning and growing experience for us, to say the least. To say there have been obstacles put in our path would be an understatement. My husband, who is one of the healthiest and strongest people I have ever known, suddenly developed the strangest ailments that have proved difficult to diagnose and treat, but through the prayers and fasting and priesthood blessings of many friends and family he is pretty much back to normal. I had a fall that resulted in some knee surgery that put me back just a bit but am doing fine now. I think we have just about seen it all. It was funny, a couple of days ago Michael came in to show me something that had fallen out of his mouth. It was a crown. We just stated laughing. Really, you think a TOOTH can set us back? Luckily, our good dentist got him right in and glued in back on. He just advised him to not chew anything really sticky on that side until we can get back home and get it taken care of properly.
We are so excited to get everything packed and just be off already. Thank you for all your care and concern. We feel so grateful to have so many wonderful supportive friends and family. We will miss you all but luckily it is very easy these days to keep in touch.