Elder Vail and Elder Kinney

I already did a Father's Day post for today, but I also wanted to post about some amazing young men I know.

Today is the farewell address for two of the young men in our ward who have just been called to go on missions. Elder Vail is going to Paraguay and Elder Kinney is going to Washington DC.

The Future Elder Baldwin, Elder Vail, and Elder Kinney

We currently already have several missionaries out in the field including Elder Westerberg who is in the Vina Del Mar Chile mission, Elder Thompson who is in the Maryland, Baltimore mission, and Elder Nickel who is in the Minnesota, Minneapolis Spanish Speaking Mission.

Lisa, Elder Thompson, and The Future Elder Brady

All of these young men have had a much greater impact on my family than they will probably ever know. The examples they have set for my oldest son can't be measured. The kindness they have shown to him, the reaching out and including him, and the humor and fun they have shared have created a desire within my son to be more like them.

Elder Nickel at the MTC

A few weeks ago Elder Vail and Elder Kinney came in and spoke to the young women about the temple. It was so awesome and I came home and shared the things they said with my boys. I told Austin about how Elder Kinney spoke of his passion for reading and studying the scriptures in the morning and how important it was to make time for that. I really appreciated the words and feelings he shared.

Today these two young men gave their farewell talks in church. Elder Kinney spoke about his excitement to go on a mission. He practically "yahooed!" from the pulpit. You could feel his enthusiasm and conviction. He spoke about the atonement and shared the words from the hymn, "I stand all amazed" which is one of my favorites. He talked about the power of prayer to call upon us the blessings of the atonement including repentance and forgiveness and the consequential great joy which comes from this, as well as peace and comfort through trials in our lives. He talked about how grateful he is for the atonement and for the joy his knowledge and understanding of it brings him. He said again and again how priveledged and humbled and grateful he is to be able to serve a mission and he is happy. It was great to hear from him!

Elder Vail spoke about the Priesthood. He talked about the Duty to God program and how it helps young men prepare for their futures, especially as missionaries. He spoke about the blessings he has recognized that come from the priesthood and how grateful he is that he has had family and friends who have supported him in staying worthy to perform his duties as one who holds the priesthood. He talked about his mom and how he has learned how to love and respect her and honor her from the example his dad has set and he talked about his close and loving relationship with his dad and their deep friendship. He bore a powerful testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and his desire to serve the Lord. He encouraged the young men to prepare, to live their lives righteously, to remain clean and faithful so they can someday serve the Lord as well. And he encouraged the young women to dress modestly, be supportive of the young men who are trying to do what is right. He is excited to serve and it shows.

In a class at the beginning of this past school year Austin had to write a paper about someone he admired who was not famous and who he was not related to. He wrote about Spencer Vail. He wrote about how he is funny and nice and sincere. He talked about how he does well in school, and that he has set some goals with his education, and how he is making the most important choice now to go on a mission. He talked about how cool it is that Spencer is going on a mission (this was almost a year before he got his call). Then he talked about how he can't wait to go on a mission himself.

I am teary just writing this. I couldn't hardly even look at Monica, my dear friend who is preparing to send her son (Spencer) off for two years. I was afraid if I talked much to her I would cry and make her cry. She is bearing this bravely. I watched the Bishop, Spencer's dad, cry through several portions of the meeting and you could just tell how happy and proud he is of his son and also that it is bittersweet to send him off for two years. Teri, another dear friend, whose son recently left for his mission said at the time, "The only thing that would be worse than sending him off for two years, would be not sending him off."

I am so proud of these young men and so grateful for the help they have given me in raising my son the right way. I am so thankful for their examples and their encouragement to my boys and the other young men. It is exciting to see them take this next step.

Elder Kinney and Elder Vail

Thank you Elder Vail and Elder Kinney. And know that you will be in our prayers as you do the Lord's work.