I’m posting here to announce that I will be serving a volunteer Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on March 17th. This is where I go out as a missionary and essentially teach what I/we believe. We leave when we are 19, and it goes for a period of Two Years. But in order to not distract from the reason why we are there, we are asked not to do things like online networks (Facebook, Youtube, etc) or recreational things, hobbies or music. We're also not allowed to see friends or family if possible, only letters/emails are allowed to contact a missionary, unless it's an emergency or something. (I know this all sounds really intense and strict... well I guess it is. That's just a basic outline though, it's not as bad as it sounds; but this is all volunteer work, and it's a personal decision to follow all the rules; there are many missionaries who don't, and who aren't effective in their efforts because of it.) So Anyways, I received my call, and I'm getting sent to Puebla, Mexico! I leave on March 17th (St. Patrick's Day, heh.) and will return about 2 years later. The first two months I'll be in the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah, where I'll be learning Spanish (which is going to be a GREAT AJ promotional tool in the future).
So this affects me and Astrojax because I won't be jaxing much, and I'm only taking one set probably; I know that there will not be time to jax, we're out early in the morning and come home late in the evening. But the point is that I will not be on the forums, making videos, hosting jams, or progressing much with my Astrojax skills... But I intend to get back into Astrojax and continue my plans after I return! And don't think that I won't be talking about Astrojax or anything; I'm definitely going to tell all my companions and contacts about it Anyways, I know this is a lot of new info, It's kinda sudden, and you may have questions as to what this is/why I'm doing this; so if any of you have any questions about anything, let me know and I would be happy to explain further, or Ferrell could also talk to you about it. So go ahead and ask!

But the point is that I will not be around for 2 years. I’m not posting this to share my beliefs. (I realize that many/most of you aren’t religious. But please realize when you're posting something that there are others who are).

I was going to leave these out, but I kinda want to speak my piece
Sorry I wasn’t a heavy poster; I’m more of a lurker. I’m not very eloquent with words; partially why I never posted in the big debate topics. I would have loved to help and share what my thoughts/views were... but I tend to hate taking sides on things and getting on people's bad sides; so hopefully this whole thing doesn't separate myself from anyone... Anyways things got really busy recently and forum time took a back seat, as well as jaxing But I haven’t stopped jaxing, that’s the important thing. There are SO many people out there who jax but aren’t on the community/forums. They matter just as much as us, and rely on videos that we make. So please, keep it real. Don't do anything that risks the "unknown community"

Oh, and about some of the recent hot topics that we had; having TWO forums would be pretty hard for someone like me to keep up with... just sayin', I have a hard enough time with one
I think that we should only have to have one forum, to build unity; the thing about a community is that not EVERYONE shares your views. Everyone has to sacrifice a little; which could mean keeping your beliefs and very strong opinions to yourself. This IS a free speech forum, but even so, some things are better left unsaid and/or kept to yourself. So please everyone, let's all just get along; give a little to keep the community together a'ight? (I'm sorry if I sound like the chastising adult here... but that's how it goes i guess )

Anyways, here are my post mission AJ plans and goals that may interest you/the Astrojax community:
My friend Cameron Rose will hopefully be keeping the astrojax scene alive inUtah (and possibly with the help of our new member Dade?); sorry I haven’t formally introduced him. I’m not sure if he will be on the forums, but he is REALLY into Jaxing. I’m so proud of him; I really think he's going to keep with it (most people burn out after a while). My hope is that he'll get good enough and get sponsored while I'm gone; He's gotten pretty good already. But I'm going to give him a crash course on shows, jams, and pretty much running the Utah community sometime this week, or next. Here's to hoping the community lives on! As well as my other friends who have gotten into jaxing, Like Phil/Patronsaint, and Brandon and Josh; they really helped with jams and teaching ME some stuff. I'll take over again when I get back though. Maybe Dade or Ska will take the wheel? Either way It'd be great for someone to do that

So I'd like to thank Jim; thanks for sponsoring me and for helping with the Jams; being sponsored is probably one of the best things that ever happened to me! Thanks for the talks and emails. And Larry; thanks for inventing the coolest and trippiest thing ever! You definitely have a love for Astrojax and the community. I'm glad to have gotten to know both of you. Aaand Ferrell: thanks for helping me set up the Utah community! It was WAY fun having jams and stuff; It was way cool that we both got sponsored at the same time and had so many promotions/jams together. Good luck with things!

Haha wow this is getting waaay deep... I think maybe I’ll write a letter to Ferrell and have him put it up… just to let you all know I’m still alive and kickin'

vaya con dios! come back safe and dazzle us with ur spanish!!

Good luck man!!

It is pretty strange and sudden but best wishes as your life unfolds. We will miss you round here so drop us a line when you return!

That's some dedication.
I don't know that I could have taken such a step at a mere 19 yrs old.
Still too much stuff going on in my life at that time (not that that's slowed down at all).

Good luck, man.
More power to you

Wow, it's a small world. My little brother just got his mission call to mexico city, mexico. He'll be hitting the MTC the first week of june. Maybe you two will meet. His name's Taylor, and He's awsome... well, ofcoarse he is, he's my little brother.

While I don't believe in the same things as my family does, I know how much a mission means to my brother, and from the sounds of it, it means alot to you too. So congratulations! And good luck! I'm sure it will be an amazing life experience, and I wish you the best.

P.S. I'd really dig getting together with some utah people to jax. If it became more social, I'd definatly practice more. I confess, I'm getting a lil burnt out. *ashamed!*

Haha. Matt, eat some mole for me and I bet you'll go through 4 suits, 16 white t-shirts, and 8 pairs of shoes.

ONE BIG TIP: BUY A WATERPROOF BACKPACK!!!!!!!!! You have no idea how many of my things were trashed during my first month out in Jersey.

Also, don't buy an iron. Worthless and every apartment has one.

Other than that, good luck and see ya in two years!!

I've known about this for a bit because seamore emailed me earlier ...

Happy travels, seamore. I hope it's a great experience for you!

Haha, I've known this ever since I've known Seamore since i knew he was LDS (Latter Day Saint) heehee

Thanks for the replies and the positive support guys! I'll be sure to dazzle you all with my spanish, watch out for Taylor, and get a waterproof backpack Can't wait for the food though! I love Mexican food