June 26, 1994 – Sunday
Today I became a full-time missionary. We drove out to the Florella branch to do it (set me apart). Dad, Mom, Liz, & Mere were all there. 1st, the Stake Prez (Holbert) interviewed me one last time. He told me he was honored to be in my presence. That shocked me b/c I was the one honored to be in his. He is a very loving man and I know he loves & cares for his stake. He’s a great man to be associated with, and he reminds me of Dad. After the interview, I got the family and we all walked to the “upper room” to set me apart. I started to realize what was happening when everyone was in there. I felt such joy, too. I am so privileged to be able to serve a mission, especially in Ecuador. I realized that my long awaited wait was over, and it was now that I start my mission. My new name was Elder Brown. He gave me the blessing (set me apart) and the spirit was very strong. It brought tears to my eyes and I seemed to feel a change in me from young man to man. I also feel as if I’ve got the spirit with me always. I feel very clean and ready to enter the MTC. Afterward, everyone congratulated me and I was still in a daze. Liz tried shaking my hand, but Mom wouldn’t allow it. We hugged. We came home and I took a nap. I was really tired. I woke up and started to get ready to pack. I did a few last minute things. We ate a good steak dinner (probably my last one for awhile) and I took most of the night packing. Dad & I had a talk together. He told me a little bit about his mission and warned me to stand for the right at all times – NO MATTER WHAT! We also talked about companions, those that are good and those bad. He told me not to be shy to let them know if they’re slacking, and not to hesitate to call the Mission President if needed. My dad’s a great man. He won’t admit to it and won’t accept me saying it but anyone who meets him sees it right away. I want to be like him and be as strong in the church and sacrifice as much as he does. Leroy called me and we talked. He advised me to get lost in the work, and I would find myself. Leroy is a great guy and is always striving to do good. I noticed that up at Ricks. I talked to Craig Pearson & he said they loved me & I was in their prayers. I appreciated that. Tyler Holland (going to Houston, Texas) called too. Overall it was an awesome day and I’m very excited to begin my mission. I pray I can always do my best!
June 27, 1994 – Monday
Today I got up early (5:30am). The fam ate breakfast and we took off to Pensacola. We got there in plenty of time & I sat around & talked mostly with Meredith. I said goodbye to Mom, Liz, Trent, Mere, then Dad. It was very hard to comprehend not seeing them for 2 years. I held back tears, and I wanted to bawl. It hit me most that I was leaving when I got my ticket taken. I turned around & waved. Man, I didn’t want to leave my family b/c I knew I was no longer a boy, but I had to leave for myself. A mission is so very important. The flights were annoying but not too bad. Mishaun & Jenna picked me up at the airport. She & I chatted a lot and I played with James. Ether called me up when I got to Mishaun’s house in Bountiful. He took me shopping for a few things. Jenna & I talked a while Mish picked up RJ. She gave me advice on trying to discern between the spirit of God & the spirit of the devil. She’s awesome & I know she was an awesome missionary. The Barnes & us went out to all u can eat pizza. I got my film back and it cost $17.50. That’s sooo ridiculous! The Straussers came over to visit me which was very nice. Tyler is big now. Becky & Stan are great & I need to write them. I’m getting ready for bed. One more day & I’m in the MTC. Jenna told me all about it. I’m very excited & want to do well. Jenna & I are gonna get to talk a lot tonight. I’m glad b/c I love her very much. I hope I can remember all the advice given to me!
June 28, 1994 – Tuesday (Martes)
Today I thought I had slept in awhile, but the clock said 7:00am. I finally got out of bed at 8:00am. I figure I’m not breaking rules yet by sleeping in so late, but if I do it from Wednesday on (which I won’t) then I’ll be breaking rules. Jenna & I went over the scripture list & I copied it. I played with James Ross (born May 15th 1994) a little & then we all went to Fred Meyers & I bought a lot of small things I needed for my mission. It’s a good store. Mishaun, Jenna and I drove to the temple after dropping JR off at his G-mas. We got in a session and it was a very good thing I chose to go. I felt the spirit very strongly, and in the Celestial room I felt very close to the Lord. (went for Gerrit). I prayed that I would be 100% the missionary he wanted me to be. I prayed I would ALWAYS keep a positive/ happy attitude. I prayed I could keep all the rules and be a great example. I also asked for help to learn the language as fast as possible. I felt that the Lord would grant all that I asked for according to my faith & actions. I also asked to be healthy. I felt very close to the Lord and felt very clean and pure. I felt like I was starting a new life. I’m ready to go! I ran into KimHenson outside the Temple. I had a feeling I’d run into someone I knew. Jenna & I got picked up by Elva at the Temple, which was very nice of her. I tell ya, the Jacksons are great people & sacrificed a lot for the LaRoses & myself. They helped the LaRose’s with their broken down truck & drove a total of 14 or so hours! Service! I hung out with Grandma & Grandpa Nielson for about 10 minutes. They’re so awesome. I love those two! Jerry drove us down here to Provo. We washed clothes, ordered pizza & bought slurpees. I’m in Moroni 7 now & have tomorrow morning to finish the Book of Mormon. My goal was before I entered the MTC. It’s weird thinking that 24 hours from now I’ll be on my mission. Actually it’s not weird, it’s very wonderful. It’s a great opportunity and I feel very privileged. I’m so excited and I’ve got great advice from Randy & Jenna: Get involved in the ward, don’t be mediocre – Satan controls them, be patient & loving, follow plans set up in the MTC. Next time I write I’ll be in the MTC! See ya then!
June 29th, 1994 – Wednesday
Well, I’m here and what a great place! This morning I finished reading the Book of Mormon. I felt very happy that I could accomplish that goal. I also had a neat experience. I decided to just open my scriptures up and asked the Lord to show me a scripture he wanted me to read before I left. I opened up to D&C section 75 and it spoke of faithful Elders who preach the gospel again eternal life. I think the Lord is letting me know that I can gain eternal life by being 100% faithful these 2 years. I also feel that if I am 100% faithful that I would be so righteous the rest of my life. I’d have no desire to sin. Mishaun, Jenna, Randy, and Heather Peel (and James) took me to the MTC at 1pm. I saw a lot of people I knew from the past. We went into the orientation & it was very good. I felt very peaceful and confident b/c I knew I was doing the right. After seeing parts of “Called to Serve” (which hit me very hard – reality set in – 2 years). I said goodbye. I was sad and a little scared, but that fear was for a brief moment b/c peace came right back in. I knew my family was in support of me and so was Heavenly Father. We got everything checked in, I got a lot of things. In my room is Elder Goettsche (very happy he & I are together) & his comp Elder Dickman. My comp is Elder Ashworth and he’s a very nice man. He’s a great guy and seems very spiritual. He’s always ready to help me out. I think we’ll become great friends. We went to class, introduced ourselves & met our Zone Leaders. We then met 2 of our teachers (Taylor & McHoos). They seem very enthused about us. They seem like they’re going to be great teachers. I felt the spirit a lot here. I’ve got to learn not to critique people but be more loving and enthused. I’m very thankful for the opportunity to be here. President Hunter prophesied our membership will reach 100 million! I’ll do all I can to make it come true! Right now I’m getting things ready. Tomorrow should be fun. I’m up at 5:30am!! Whooweee!
June 30th, 1994 – Thursday
Today has been a greeeeeeeat day! I’m stressing b/c I have 10 min until quiet time. We got up at 5:30am. We ate breakfast and then went to 3 meetings for new elders & sisters. It was awesome & spiritual. At lunch, I went to the bookstore to buy another tag and also read a few things. We had class from 2pm to 5pm. We went over the 1st discussion and Satan seemed to put doubts in my mind. He made me mad. He made me forget the whole reason I’m here! I still felt the spirit thought & Satan even put doubts in my mind whether or not this church is true! These thoughts were very quick. I need to pray tonight for a lot of help. After dinner we had a district meeting with President Gifford. He spoke to us & interviewed us. He’s a great man and he was very nice to me. While others were getting interviewed, I studied (I need to still make better use of time). He called Elder Ashworth & I in and he appointed me as District Leader. I felt shocked, but very willing. I felt the spirit & knew this was for me. I’m very happy for the opportunity and am going to do my best to do what the Lord wants me. I hope I can live by the spirit at all times & I know it’s possible through God’s will. I’ve got a lot of work ahead, however I know that Elder Ashworth is going to help me out. The MTC is great. Spanish is coming back to me. Tonight I need to pray to have the Spirit with me constantly and to defeat Satan’s attempts to thwart me & the Lord’s work. Missions are the BEST!! & it’s only been 1 ½ days. Plenty of time to improve!