Elder Dylan Thomas Paolacci

This weekend has been a very happy, exciting & emotional one, not only for me but for all of Dylan's family. His older sister Marissa was able to come from Seattle to share in the weekend. We are so very happy for our new missionary and his devotion to his Father in Heaven and his willingness to serve him & the people of Peru for 2 years.

We had a great party to celebrate Dylan's mission on Saturday evening at Jason & Jamie's home. Lots of family & friends attended (about 40) and we had lots of great food. We talked, laughed, swam and had a wonderful evening. There was even a fantasy football draft going on up-stairs, with all the guys in the family. I told Dylan I would take over his team in the fantasy football season this year, but he declined my offer.. thought maybe his younger brothers would take care of his team.. probably a good thought..since I know squat about football.

Dylan's farewell was held today at the church building he grew up in, and was packed with all the people who loved Dylan. I was so proud and happy to sit in this beautiful setting with my entire family sitting around me. I had invited my friend Connie to join us also. It was a very emotional day, his sister Karleigh & cousin Maddy sang an absolutely beautiful song, that started the tears, also two family friends talked. Then Dylan gave a great talk and I was so proud of him. A wonderful spirit filled meeting.

My family, (all 22 of us) re-grouped at Kristan and Don's home around 5:15 this evening to see Dylan set apart as a missionary. Kristan's husband conducted the gathering and after an opening song and prayer, Don asked Dylan's 2 uncles (Steve & Jason) to each take a few minutes and share a few words with Dylan. As I sat and listened to my 2 sons telling the nephew that they both love so much, true heartfelt advice with so much love and compassion my heart was full and the tears came, they also shared many things and feelings from their missions. It was such a spiritual few minutes and everyone in the room was crying at the end of their thoughts. After that their Stake President, President Lewis gave Dylan the most beautiful blessing to send him on his mission.

Dylan leaves for Utah and the Provo Missionary Training Center on Tuesday, August 10th. and reports in on Weds. August 11th.
He will spend about 3 weeks in Provo, then fly to Lima, Peru to finish his 2 month training.

Lima Peru Missionary Training Center, Dylan's home for about 6 weeks..

This smile, reflects the joy Dylan is feeling about serving his mission. He has waited for this opportunity for so long and it is finally here. I am so very proud of him ! He will follow in the footsteps of his father & uncles by serving this mission.