Elder Brandon Bishop--leaves for the Mission Training Center

 Our oldest son will spend the next 2 years in service to the spanish-speaking people residing in Provo, Utah. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has one of the largest contingent of proselyting missionaries than any other religion. Two-by-two, young men and women age 19-21, embark on an amazing spiritual journey as they teach people all over the world.

 For the next 2 months at the MTC, he will be taught Spanish and other lessons he will use while teaching people interested in the LDS faith.

 Returning in January 2013, Brandon will meet an 8-year-old Jessie. 

Jessie will greatly miss her "wrestling" partner!

Cousins Jacob and Cody Hughes will also be 2 years older and wiser!!!!!

Aunt Kim, Grandma Evans, and our Stake President Priday, pose with the happy missionary.

This is our LAST family picture for 2 years. We will not see Elder Bishop during his mission and can only communicate through letters and email. Elder Bishop has turned control of his Facebook account to me and he turned his cell phone off. This allows for a complete focus on missionary work and puts aside previous cares and concerns.

As one imagines, these are daunting tasks for a young man just emerging into adulthood, however, the principles and blessings received because of this sacrifice are life-altering.

Read here to learn of blessings returned missionaries experience:

Although we will greatly miss him, Elder Bishop will be well taken care of and protected by a large and loving LDS church mission family living and serving in Provo, Utah.

Here is the link to Brandon's letters and pictures while on this mission: