My very dear James,
Thank you very much for your kind email. Regarding your question, first you have to decide if you can devote to the lama as your virtuous friend. That is the main decision; to be able to devote forever.

Thank you for your kind service to me, to sentient beings and to the teachings of Buddha. I have made prayers for you and your whole family. Please make your life most meaningful, with the thought of bodhicitta.

With much love and prayers...