Elder King's off to serve

July 8th we all gathered for dinner at Mawali's and said our final good byes to our missionary!

He's going to do so well!

A teary mom saying good bye to her baby!

When Fuzz gets back Graham will be Luke's age!

My mom asked us to each write him a letter to open the night he got to the Mexico MTC.  Here is what I wrote to him:

Dear Elder King,

Can you believe you are a missionary?! I can.  You’ve been taught well.  I know you are ONLY 18 :) but you are a smart one.  I have always admired your maturity with the things that really matter.  You had to grow up faster than most being the youngest of our family.

I want to tell you how grateful I am for you example to my boys.  I don’t know if Luke will ever be able to serve a full time mission like you are, but I’m grateful for all of his examples he’s had in his life.  You will be the first missionary he remembers.  

I want to tell you a couple of things I have learned over the last year.

One.  Let things go.  Let the things go that you don’t have control over.  If you let yourself become consumed with those things, you won’t be happy.  I can promise you that.  The things you can control and fix. Fix.  But the other stuff, you’ve got to roll it off your back.

Two.  You are where you are supposed to be.  Heavenly Father is aware of each of us.  You have been chosen to go and serve Minnesota because you need to be there.  We are never put in situations to fail.  Now, it might be hard and we might want to give up (I’ve wanted to many a times) but don’t.  Cry and be mad, its good sometimes.  But dust yourself off and pick yourself up and keep going.  And never ever think things are better or you are missing out at home.  I promise you, you will never regret the sacrifice you are making now.

Three.  Learn how to love.  Learn how to love people for who they are.  Being Luke’s mom (and Graham’s) has taught me a deeper meaning of love.  The true love, the unconditional love.  And boy oh boy, it is strong and deep.  You will feel that for the people of Minnesota because you will be serving them.  I’ve also learned that sometimes loving someone means making them step out of their comfort zones.  And no one likes to be there, but encourage them to take a step out and see what they are missing.  I’ve done this countless times with Luke, when he was resisting so much, and I’ve never regretted putting forth effort to make him better.  Make others around you better.  You have the talents and the gift to do that.

I’m just so proud of you! You are so awesome.  We can’t wait to send you lots of pictures of the boys and our adventures.  I can’t wait to get your stuff either!

And don’t worry, Luke will take care of Drew while you are gone ;)

I know this gospel is true.  I know Joseph Smith is a true prophet.  I know the Book of Mormon is the most correct and true book.  I know Christ lives.  I know we are an eternal family.  I have a testimony that through small and simple things, great things come to pass.  Remember that during your harder moments.  Take things one step at a time.  Break it down to make yourself (or the people you are serving) successful.

I love you more than you know!

Love your Favorite sister and nephews.