Called to serve

Oh, happy day! When the call arrived Keaton carried his envelope around all day waiting for the moment he would open it. 

I'm so thankful all my kids are close friends. Nolan was away at school and we definitely wanted him to be a part of the moment. 

Keaton sent Nolan a picture of his beautiful, white envelope and their texts still make me laugh!

Keaton really was willing to serve anywhere, He often said, "It's a mission, not a vacation." But his sense of humor ruled the day. 

He enjoyed beholding the glory himself! 

All day!

It is actually important to know a few things about Keaton. Fact of the day: He has NO sense of smell. The doctor's best guess is a virus killed his olfactory senses. This trivial knowledge is actually important  to know. Not surprising, one cannot use smell to determine the destination of one's mission with or without this sense.

I love this picture. It's the perfect moment frozen in time. 18-years of preparing. 18-years of wondering where he would serve. 

My 18-year old boy sat holding that envelope. With no idea where in the world he would be going but with a willing heart to take him there.

We were so blessed to have family and friends join us in person, via FaceTime and Skype.

With a trusty letter opener in hand, the big moment arrived!

Dear Elder Moore . . .

. . . you are called to serve in the New Zealand Auckland Mission! The smile says it all.

Yes, I was shocked and it was a very happy shock. 

Keaton had become very close to one of the missionaries serving in our mission, Elder Scott Sadlier. Keaton has tried to immulate his life after this amazing young man. He and Elder Sadlier had dreamed of taking a trip to Australia or New Zealand after Scott's mission and before Keaton left. I think the Lord has a great sense of humor and is also merciful to let Keaton go fulfill a dream . . . for  two years! 

The Land of the Long White Cloud was waiting for him. He was to report the the Provo, MTC on February 26th, the day after his 19th birthday.

Keaton received a call from our Stake President in January. He was informed that he was to report the the New Zealand MTC with the flight date pending. We were a little excited!

Eventually, we learned his flight was scheduled for the same date, February 26th. He was blessed to be among the first group from North America to attend the New Zealand MTC and the very first Texan. Being an 8th generation Texan, he was proud to represent us.