Erik & Nathan - Mission Calls Came!!

The culture of opening mission calls has changed a lot since President Monson announced that young men could begin serving an LDS mission when they turn 18 instead of 19 and the girls could begin serving at 19 instead of 21. The high school kids have put their enthusiastic spin on opening a mission call. Large groups gather when the word spreads that someone is going to open their mission call. After they are finished opening the group begins singing "Called To Serve".  It is a wonderful occasion.

There were quite a few family and friends that filled our back yard when Erik and Nathan opened their mission calls. It was a really neat experience. 

We learned a lesson from when Erin opened her mission call - have someone else take pictures because it is too overwhelming to remember to click the shutter when you are so engrossed in the occasion. In that instance we didn't end up with any photos, just the memory of her jumping up and down saying, "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I can't believe it!" It took us a few minutes to get her calmed down long enough to tell us she was going to Arequipa, Peru. 

Here are a few photos of the occasion

Welcome to everyone. Thanks for coming!

Erik bearing his testimony

Nathan bearing his testimony

The time has come. Open those calls!

Both together: Dear Elder Marchant:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
You are assigned to labor in the...

Nathan: Toronto Canada Mission.

Erik: Chile Viña del Mar Mission.

It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.

on

Both: Wednesday, November 6, 2013.

You will prepare to preach the gospel in the
Nathan: Spanish language
Erik: Spanish language

Lots of smiles and hugs!!

Thanks for sharing this wonderful occasion with us!  Two brothers, two best friends who have lived such similar lives will begin their individual journeys on November 6, 2013.  What a great opportunity!  Their parents are pretty sure that the boys will miss each other way more than they will miss them!