From Marine to Missionary

When Brian and I made the trip to southern California to see Bryson graduate from Marine boot camp we thought we could never be prouder of him than we were at that moment. Re-reading the post about that experience here still brings tears to my eyes.

But the last couple weeks have at least equaled but I think even topped that experience and the feelings we had. It started when Bryson got home from school on Thursday, September 5th and walked straight to the mailbox...like he had been doing for several days in a row. :) I was in my bedroom and had the window open and I suddenly hear a "Yeeeehooooo" coming from the curb. Then in he walks with this big white envelope in his hands addressed to "Elder Bryson Kyle Morrow". What an emotional moment!

The plan was to open it at 6:00 that night when family and a few friends could be here and he had to focus at a job interview before that (which is the reason he is dressed up for the occasion.)

About an hour before people were coming I suggested we have everyone write on the envelope where they thought he was going...and I added, "I think you're going to North Carolina." His response was, "I hope not, it's too humid and there's a marine base there." So I guessed Quebec on the envelope since he didn't want me to put North Carolina. :) He had lots of people text in their guesses and he wrote them all on the envelope.

Waiting patiently for a few people to FaceTime in...

Such an exciting moment pulling out the "call".

It wouldn't be the Morrow house if there wasn't some kind of story to go along with the simple procedure of opening a mission call. :) When Bryson opened the envelope he grabbed the booklet, held it up to his friend who is a recently returned missionary and asked if that was it. His friend kind of shrugged his shoulders and said he guessed so, so Bryson opened it up and started reading the opening letter that started with, "Welcome to full time missionary service..." and he read, and read, and read and there was no call. He kept stopping and saying, "There's no call. Where's the call?" Now, thoroughly confused, he starts flipping through the booklet as his friend comes up, grabs the envelope on the ground and pulls out the letter. :) By this point, Bryson has seen the map of his mission in the booklet so he knows where he's going but the rest of us don't.

Blurry picture but I had to put in him laughing when he realized he didn't pull out the letter with the call on it. :)

NOW he reads the call and low and behold, he's going to the NORTH CAROLINA, CHARLOTTE MISSION!!!! You better believe I grabbed that envelope after he was done reading it and put my original guess of North Carolina on it! :)

I can't even describe what a cool moment that was to hear him read his mission call. We are so excited for him and the experiences that are in front of him!!!!!

Nick had to leave to go to work right after he opened it so we didn't get him in the picture below.

Hailey could not be prouder of her brother but she is having a hard time thinking about him leaving and not being right across the hall from her!

Of course there has to be a crazy friend shot as well. :)

Part of his preparation packet from the church is online and I love the countdown they have on it for when he reports to the MTC.

One week and 2 days after receiving his mission call, we had the amazing opportunity of going through the Temple with Bryson. What an incredible experience.

President Spencer has had a big impact on Bryson and we were so glad he and Heather were able to be there with us.

We love Bryson so much and we are so excited for this next chapter in his life. The people of North Carolina are very lucky to be getting this guy for the next two years!