Timeless Treasures: Here today Gone tomorow-Jordan update

Well its been a long time coming with an update. Jordan has been home for a month and is already gone back to Missouri. We had an awesome time with him. He has changed so much. He has grown taller and is reserved and quiet and more serious. He talks alot about the marines and what he wants to do with his life. He studies his bible and loves church and the activities with the youth. We had a fabulous time with him and were busy every chance we could get. Making memories before the big send off again. Only this send off was a blessed one. We went to Out of Africa and saw the wild animals, took a safari and the giraffes came right up to our open window bus and ate from our hands. It was so cool. He liked that alot. We also drove up to the Tonto Natural Bridge in Payson and did some hiking down into some outdoor caves to a waterfall. It was beautiful and we highly recommend you go there if you can. We saw the Prince Caspian/ Narnia movie. We also had a night of bowling and went to Pinetop for 4 days to get away. While there we went bowling again and drove the go carts and watched alot of movies. rode bikes in the mountain air of only 69 degrees. Jordan spent time with Grandma and Grandpa and met with our pastor for lunch. We went to a youth care group night with mom and daughter and dad and son. Long awaited. Showed him the new San Tan mall. Alot of things have changed since he has been gone. Josh and Jordan spent alot of time with Nathan and had Monday hoop night at the local park. All in all it was a memorable visit and a time to see his growth and what God has been doing in his life. Not the same kid that is for sure. Jordan picked up a part time job for the month to help earn money for his missions trip to South Africa and then on to Malawi which he will be leaving for July 19th. For 5 weeks. He left on June 12 to head back to the ranch to attend a missions camp where he has learned what it will need to know to be prepared for the missions field. This will be the experience of a lifetime. Family and friends, He will be with 2 other boys and a missionary in some harsh and desolate area of the world. Over 50 percent of the population is under 13 yrs old.Lots of orphanages and hunger and health issues. Please pray for safety for them all and that God would use these young men to spread the Gospel of truth that Jesus saves sinners like me and like you. These folks may not otherwise hear the truth if it weren't for people going and telling the message of the gospel. We are very grateful to have our son back. He has a heart for the things of God and desire to please both Him and us. What a rewarding time of fellowship and rebuilding family. The following photos are from the visits home from all events. Sadly to say, the last night he was home he got a migraine and couldn't even say bye to anyone who came to his going away shin dig. The best time for me was spending an hour or so with him at the airport and reminiscing on the past and the present and future.. God is at work. He is gracious and forgiving and merciful if we turn to him. We saw evidence of that. Thanks Jordan for a wonderful time of family and memories. We will be praying for safety and health and the gospel to be spread. See you on Sept 4th Son. xoxoxo mom and dad.

Pastor and Mama T, we are amazed and humbled with the sacrifice that you make every day and night to help troubled young men who may not otherwise get the love and time that you pour into them. You are true servants of the Lord and your work will be rewarded someday. You have been challenged by our son and grown to love him as we do. I knew when I talked to you the first time that this was the place for Jordan. He loves you both as a mom and dad and we are truly thankful that he was in your home with people who have the same values and standards as we do. Your guidance and encouragement and biblical direction and the hand of God of course has saved our son. Thank you for giving us our son back. We pray for your ministry and are blessed by your devotion and care for him.

This was at the Airport when Jordan left for Missori again. Only this time it was a sweet send off.

All packed up and ready to go. The gal at the counter at check in asked him if he was military and was going to let us go before everyone else. She saw his 2 camoflauge bagse and assumed he was military. He told her No, not yet. Jordan has ambitioins to join the marines in about 10 months.