Parker's Mission Call

Parker sent this picture Tuesday morning to our family group text.  WHAT?!  We thought it might come in that Tuesday, but I was not expecting that early.  Brinley received her call almost exactly a year ago and hers came later in the afternoon.  Parker had plans to go to the Permian baseball game that afternoon, and so he invited family and friends over to watch him open that evening at 8:00.

That was a long wait!  I didn't know if he would be able to not peak.  He waited though.  I'm so glad we were able to witness his reaction first hand.

A couple of hours before he was home I decided to run to the store and grab some treats.  We had a good spread of chips, dips, cookies and drinks.

Tanner, Char and Ella

I love how he invited his school friends to join in, and I especially appreciate how they came to support.

Loved Grandpa in the middle of the friends teasing and joking (and explaining a little about "no movies, no tv, no swimming, no dating for two years".)

I put a map up in the kitchen and everyone was writing down their guesses of where he would be called.  We were also writing down guesses from our extended family who sent their guesses via text, and Facebook friends who commented on my post.

Lauron, Gram & Aunt Ang

Lft-rt: Charity, Jake Davidson, Grandpa, Gram, Ang, Braddock, Hudson, La & Aub

Only THREE people even chose the right continent...so this picture gives you a big clue of where he is not serving for sure! (When he turned his papers in, he was thinking/hoping for Mexico or S. America.  He thought it would be really cool to learn Spanish while he was serving.)

Lft-rt: Cole, Luke, Harper, Haley, Abby, Bethani, Austin & Harris

We had Facebook live going and lots of family and friends watched live as he opened his call.  I was so glad too.  There is such a sweet spirit present whenever a mission call is opened.  You can just feel the power of God in the room.

Here is the video.  I love re-watching it.  Love my Parker Bryce.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUiS--1Iylk

The Ghana, Accra mission, English speaking, reporting July 15, 2021!  He was flustered and couldn't remember where Ghana was exactly. Pretty fun, exciting and crazy!  Also, Brinley started her mission on July 15, 2020.  Kind of cool. 

I'm so proud of Parker.  I love my little boy.  I know he is going to learn and grow so much from being willing to serve a mission.  I will miss him.  Over the next few days, several of my family, friends, and Parker's friend's parents asked privately how I really felt about him serving in Ghana.  I am 100% excited.  I love this opportunity for him.  I also think it's so cool that he gets to go foreign but doesn't have the stress of learning a language.  

Charlotte guessed Africa and was thrilled she was the closest to his mission!

Parker has spent a lot of time online learning about Ghana and reading missionary blogs etc.  He told me he was so excited he wished he could go right away.  It will be an adventure.  A mission is such a blessing.  I grew so much in my 18 month mission.  I know as he serves the Lord and those in Ghana, he will reap many blessings as well.  That is just how God works.  He always blesses us with more.