First of all, I’m not traveling abroad, although I would love to go see a few places throughout the world. I just haven’t taken the time or saved the money to go do any of them.

But, I have been working with my youngest son who will be leaving for his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in September. He will be serving in Brazil, so there is quite a lot of paperwork that has to be filled out for him, that wasn’t necessary for my other 3 children who have or are serving.

My son was sent a checklist of paperwork to complete before he is allowed into the country along with lengthy lists of supplies. We started off with the passport because I knew how to do that one! That arrived about a week and a half ago. The next step is the Visa paperwork. Oh my goodness is there a lot involved in that paperwork.

I have also been contacting doctors offices looking for the yellow fever vaccine. So far I have found only 1 doctors office in Alaska that administers it for sure ($1,000 when all the preliminary requirements were also fulfilled). I have also been directed to Costco pharmacy where I am currently working on the paperwork because it is much cheaper if they’ll do it here in Alaska. If not, he will have to get it done at the MTC.

The clothing requirements are also a bit different for Brazil. Cooler clothing and a lot more shoes are the big things on the list. This differs from my other son serving in Canada, as he needed some hot weather clothes, but also more cold weather clothes. My girls needed different clothing all together. None of the other kids needed lots of shoes as they all have cars in their missions, but Brazil is a walking mission, so 4 pairs of high quality shoes is recommended.

I am grateful for how thorough these lists of not only items needed, but for the instructions and help in completing all the paperwork. I’m sure if we had to do this several times it would seem simple, but as this is the first time, I am in awe, particularly of the paperwork involved.

This will be a great experience for my youngest. It already has been a great learning experience just preparing. I am grateful to have watched the wonderful changes that have occurred in my other 3 children, 2 of whom haven’t been serving that long yet but have changed immensely. But for now, we’ll keep plugging away at all the paperwork.