Opening the Envelope

 "This is as unique a cultural celebration as the Hindus walking over coals in India," I murmured to Mike and Heidi at Jono Ebert's "Opening the Envelope" celebration on March 8, 2018.  Leaving on a mission is an important and (usually) joyous rite of passage for young Mormons.  They apply to Church headquarters to go on a mission and then eagerly await receiving their envelope telling them when they will leave on their mission and where they will go.

 Jono has lots of friends and they turned out en masse to share Jono's mission call with him.  There will be many more parties like this in the next few months, as Jono's friends receive their own mission calls.  Camille set out chocolate chip cookies, eclairs, and brownies, and everyone grazed as the crowd gathered.

 "Opening the envelope" is an occasion for family to congregate, as well, in person and by phone.  Mike and Heidi joined the crowd at Camille's house and Jonny watched the event via Skype, through Dave's phone.  Lisa was at work, but asked us to email the news as soon as we learned it.

 Steve's Ebert family also arrived en masse.  Steve's dad, Al, is a witty fellow from whom Steve gets his delightful sense of humor.  We were glad he felt well enough to come.

 Steve's sister, Marilee, checked out which seats were available for older folk.

 Steve's sister,Chris, arrived, and chatted with other friends and relatives.

 The little kids scooted upstairs and down, relishing the food and excitement.  Mia loves her Ebert cousins.

 Sophie invited her best friend to the party.

 Ezra watched the event with special interest, since he will follow his brother in going on his own mission some day.

 Annie is old enough to help her mom prepare for the crowds.

 Finally, it was time to get down to business.  Jono stood in front of the crowd as Dave Skyped the event for Jonny.  Dave was also asked to give an opening prayer.

 Steve welcomed the group, and then Jono opened his envelope.

 Fukuoka, Japan!  It was the perfect mission choice for Jono.  He has visited and loves Japan, he has taken courses in Japanese, and he was president of the Japan Club at Olympus High School   Jono will leave at the end of July.

Hugs all around, and then the crowds grabbed a cookie and wandered off to find the next Big Thing.