big white envelope

The Big White Envelope arrived at our house a few days ago. We knew it was on it's way. We knew Davy's life would change forever upon opening it. We knew that this is where real faith kicks in. It was a surreal moment in time. How did we get to this point?! It took a lifetime, literally. It took more than I can ever put down into words. It took a great amount of effort from Davy, and a very difficult choice to make. He chose the higher road.

Preparing to open the BWE. Davy is shaking. Anticipation level is off the charts. My bottle of Tums is nearby. 

"Elder David Stratton Walker - 

Dear Elder Walker, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Washington Kennewick Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months. 

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language."

We're stunned and yelling WAHOOO and stunned and trying to let it sink in... and did I mention we were stunned? 

Reading over the formal letter and taking in the moment with my boy. When his older brother Daniel was called to serve in Argentina for 2 years, he was away at college and we didn't have the opportunity to be there with him in person. It was a special experience to be able to be together when Davy opened his mission call. 

The official letter and missionary packet... and a letter that Daniel wrote to Davy, for him to read after he opened his call. We found it perched on a shelf the morning Daniel left for Africa, after they had said their goodbyes xoxo

Davy's missionary portrait - the photo that melts my heart every time I look at it :)

(thank you Brad Smith - you're the best)

Davy did indeed settle into the idea of serving in the Washington Kennewick Mission, and he is excited for the adventure that awaits him. We couldn't be more proud of him or love him more - mission or no mission. We love him for exactly who he is, and are delighted that he has chosen to embrace this amazing experience. We know that through his choice to serve, he will learn and grow and be blessed for all of his efforts.

Thank you *EVERYONE* who has already been so loving and supportive with your phone calls, e-mails, Facebook comments, and countless hugs and congratulations in person. It has meant the world to all of us :)

   "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,

and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;

For I am meek and lowly in heart:

and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

~ Matthew 11:28-30