Goodbye America, Hello Mexico MTC!

First, I'd like to thank everyone who was able to come to Jessica's farewell. It turned out to be a great success and Jessica said she "couldn't have asked for a better day!" Her talk on the Atonement of our Savior was amazing. Proof that she is very prepared to be teaching others through example and testimony. She is going to be such a great missionary! 

Last night, we were able to have one last meal as a family. Unfortunately Bryan couldn't make it, but it was still amazing to sit down as a family and have one last dinner together before Jessica left. After the dinner, we drove to the church where Jessica was set apart as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her blessing was beautiful and full of so many blessings! The spirit in that room was so strong. Her picture was added to the collage of Kaysville Stake Missionaries on the Stake Center wall. Officially Hermana Hogge! 

This morning at 3:45 a.m., our family gathered for family prayer. Jessy hugged a sleepy Allison and Miles goodbye and Mom, Dad, Jessica and I drove to the airport. We got her all checked in and ready to go. It was good to see she wouldn't be alone as many other families said their goodbyes around us. We gave her lots of hugs, watched her go through security, up the escalator and out of sight. 

We were so pleased to receive a text from a stranger in the Dallas Texas Airport. She was a member of the church and saw the missionaries. She took the missionaries picture and sent it to all of their families to let them know they were safe! Her next step would be Mexico City! 

This evening, we received Hermana Hogge's first email: 

"Today was an adventure in itself, and I am really glad to have the airport over with. And it was nice of that woman in Dallas to take a picture and send it, she was sitting next to some of the other sisters on our flight. So far, the best thing has been the people - the people that I traveled to the MTC with, and the couple that I sat next to on the way to Mexico. I had to fill out this form to get through customs, but the form that they handed out on the plane was all in Spanish! They were all out of English ones! But the couple next to me could speak a little English, and helped me get through it. 

The MTC is really nice, I already like it a lot. My P-day will be Thursday while I am here, just so you know. I have not met my companion yet, but her name is Hermana Cook. Looking forward to keeping you all updated on all that goes on. 

Give everyone my love!

Hermana Hogge" 

For those of you wishing to email or mail Jessica while she is in the MTC, here is her info: 

jessica.hogge@myldsmail.net

Sister Jessica Ann Hogge

28/10/2014 4A

Carretera Tenayuca-Chalmita #828

Colonia Zona Escolar, Gustavo A. Madero

07230 Mexico, Distrito Federal

Mexico

Thank you all again for your love and support for Jessy! We are so excited for her adventure and can't wait to hear from her each week. Keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she begins to learn the Spanish language. :) Adios!