Michael Gets his Mission Call!!

Michael has been so excited to get his mission call and go on his mission. He turned in his papers as soon as he was able, 120 days before he turns 19. We were told that the papers needed to be submitted and processed, the missionary committee meets on Thursdays, letters are put together and mailed on Monday, and calls are usually received on Thursday. Well, one week came and went, no call. Then the next week came and went, still no call. Finally, the Bishop told Michael that his call was on the way. We expected it on Thursday, and made plans for the family and Michael's friends to be here when he opened it. On Wednesday, I picked up the mail, and to my shock, there IT was! I was shaking so bad, I was nervous and excited for Michael. I got home and yelled that he had mail. He was just as shocked as I was. He was so excited, he wanted to open it right that second. There was no way he could wait. He called his friends, Jayme called Jenn and Dennis, I left to get Grandpa. There were a few glitches in the half-cocked plan, like life. Jenn didn't want to leave work early, Dennis couldn't leave work, Adam was on the way to Salt Lake, and JR was working.

It didn't matter though, he had to open it right this minute!! I got back with Grandpa and the cousins, Chet, Shay, Matt and Kailey were here, Jenn left work, so then we were waiting for JR. Michael got so anxious, they called JR and told him that he was opening it without him! He was just a few blocks away, so he proceeded sloooowly.....












While everyone waited nervously to see where it would be. We had a world map on the wall, and everyone placed their guesses.
















Finally, JR got here. Jenn was on the phone with Adam, and Michael read his letter. He was called to serve in the Cleveland, Ohio mission. He reports to the Missionary Training Center on August 11!! So soon! He won't even be 19 until the end of September!

After the initial letdown of not being called to someplace exotic (read Hong Kong, Russia, or Africa), we are all super excited for Michael. He realizes that this is where the Lord wants him to be and that there is a reason he is being sent there. As he keeps telling me, "God doesn't make mistakes"

I am so proud of Michael and the choices he has made. He is chomping at the bit, and so anxious to begin serving the Lord full time. We were able to go to the temple with him for the first time last week. It was a very good night with Dennis, me, Jenn, Adam, Grandpa and Bishop Peterson. Michael was a little shell shocked, but then I think we all are our first time. There is a lot to absorb, and he is ready to go back.

I am so grateful that he has good friends who support him and encourage him to be good. These boys go to the temple together, mission prep class, and help each other be better. I have always prayed that my kids would have good friends, and Michael has been blessed with the best! Go forth and serve my son, you will be an excellent missionary!!