Two Sundays ago, we were skyping with Bryon just before his final interview with his Stake President for his mission. That afternoon in church, he sent Steve a quick text saying that his papers were submitted and he would be getting his call in 10 days which would fall on Wednesday the 6th. Wednesday came and as we had prepared to Skype again for his call, he called early that day after the mail arrived to let us know that his call had not come. We were disappointed for him, but knew it would come by Friday. The following afternoon he called to tell us that his call had arrived and that having to work that evening, he would Skype us while he opened it when he got off. We expected him around 10:15-10:30 (Utah time), but being so excited, he asked to leave early. His boss let him and he called us almost exactly at 9:00 (Oregon time-10 Utah time). Immediately I asked him to hold up his envelope.
We were all on the edge of our seats with anticipation! He was beaming as he sat in front of his laptop ready for the big reveal! We could hardly stand the suspense! His father being out of town was on the phone and all the noises you hear in the background come from both our family and around 20 or more of his dormitory friends. The one regret I have, is not catching the reaction of our family as he read the letter.
Though it would have been logical for Bryon to go spanish speaking, it being so much a part of his life, having learned the language at 4 years of age and taking courses all through middle and High school, we are tickled with how fitting this call is for him! We know that the Lord knows him best. He knows his people best. He knows who can be touched by Bryon's testimony the most. This call is so fitting for Bryon and who he is. We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity Bryon has to serve the Lord in teaching others about the blessings the gospel of Jesus Christ has to offer all of his children! We are so grateful for his desire and enthusiasm to serve. Before he got his call, he said he was willing to go anywhere the Lord would send him. We knew he was sincere. Before he got his call, we prayed that we would all be prepared for where he would serve. We know that the Lord was preparing us. The day he opened that call, 3 of us had an impression that he would serve in Japan, even though we had previously discussed the probability of his going to Brazil or Europe. I don't know how ready I am to send my boy of for two years without seeing him. But I know I am willing to let him go for the benefit of sharing the Gospel (good news of Christ) with others!
We are truly blessed to venture into this new segment of our lives!
