The before facts

I figure I must start at the start. I received my mission call on 30 June 2005 (my parents' aniversary) at about 9AM. I was heading for work but felt the urge to check the post office first... so I did and there it was. I hurried home for a second and opened it right up. I had thought that Italy or Australia, maybe even Denmark would be cool places to go. I was called to the land of the Savior instead! El Salvador! The El Salvador San Salvador West mission-- spanish speaking of course. It was so exciting to tell all of my friends and family about it.

I was ordained an Elder by my father on 6 March 2005. I went through the Manti temple on 17 August 2005.

I had to recieve various shots and have two of my wisdom teeth out... I forgot to include those in the estimated cost to go on my mission, but that's what insurance is for.

It was quite pricy to get me out there. As you can see some things would actually cost more now, especially with the huge change in gas prices.

I never doubted that I was going to be of great help in El Salvador and that is where the Lord wanted me.

I never fully understood what the mission was like, because just like for any other missionary, nothing can be known or expected for sure. I just knew it was what I had to do.

I soon found myself in the MTC because the time went flying by. I had graduated from high school, worked for the summer, and was on my way!

Time in between-- from call to MTC

I really didn't know what to expect. I researched everything I could about El Salvador and thought I knew everything I could find out about it. I found out that there was also an Elder from Manti (Yay another from SanPete) who would be serving in the same mission. That helped me be more at peace knowing that I wouldn't be completely alone in everything.

I remembered being told that you should study Preach My Gospel well before the mission. I tried to be diligent in my studies but of course never felt quite prepared for anything.

I soon had found myself giving my missionary address talk in church and I took up most of the time rambling on about what I thought I knew about El Salvador and my testimony etc. Then the day came....