Monday, July 6, 2015

Elder Joseph Leigh Toolson: Called to serve!

(Originally posted on our family blog March 16, 2015)

Joe has been counting the days until he could serve a mission since... well, since forever! Paperwork can be submitted 120 days before a person is available to serve. Before it is submitted, visits must be made to the dentist and doctors office to get medical clearance, plus interviews are held with the Bishop and Stake President. Joe had his final interview with President Hunsaker, who clicked "submit," on February 24th. He put his availability date as June 13th (one week after graduation.) We've been anxiously watching the mailbox ever since!

When I went to the post office on Saturday, this was waiting...


I quickly sent a text to Joe, Kurt, Paul, Bronte and David. Joe responded: "Oh my stars" followed by "I'm gonna pass out." Despite the excitement, he chose to wait to open the envelope until the following night. Three of his best friends, Jared, Jana and Davia, were at a camp with the youth from their church, and his cousin Luke was at a baseball tournament. He didn't want to open it without them. The hours on Sunday ticked by very slowly... the sun went down... finally, the moment had arrived...


"Dear Elder Toolson:  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 GUATEMALA COBAN MISSION!


You should report to the Guatemala Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2015. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language." To echo Joe, oh my stars! Get the Atlas!


I know all of our minds were reeling as we tried to sleep last night. I am so happy for Joe, and proud of him. He is going to be a great missionary because of his strong testimony and sincere concern for the welfare of others. Now we just need to buy a suit, schedule his shots, order a passport and visa... my heart is bursting!

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