Here we are gathering for the Opening Ceremony.  It’s a time for family and friends to gather and watch as the missionary letter is opened and read.  No one ever knows where they will be called to serve until the letter is opened.  It’s exciting and frightening.  I remember when my letter came in July, 1981, it took me a long time to have the courage to open and read it.  When I read South Africa, I was thrilled.

Aaron climbed up into the fort in the playground to open his letter.  When Adam opened his call 3 years ago, he climbed up in his favorite oak tree in the back yard and quietly opened his all by himself.  He wanted to be alone.  At the last minute, he said we could stand below the tree if we didn’t say anything.  When he was ready, he called down to us, “Chile, Santiago West Mission!”

Below you will see some of the responses when Aaron opened and read his letter, “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 Chile Santiago South Mission.”  Adam rushed from the crowd to Aaron’s feet, and Aaron raced down to his embrace.  He was heading to the exact same city Adam served in!

There are more than 400 Missions in the world.  The chances of brothers serving in the same area are pretty slim.  These two boys are as close as brothers can be.  Now they’ll have even one more thing in common, a love for the people of Chile.  Aaron will report directly to Santiago on January 15th, where he’ll spend 2 months learning Spanish in a Missionary Training Center.

Aaron with his neighborhood buddies.  They will all follow in another year.

Adam served in the Santiago West Mission.  Last year the mission boundaries were realigned and a good portion of his area is now in the Santiago South Mission.  Aaron will probably live in some of the same towns and areas!

What a happy happy day we’ve had.  Aaron and his friends went to eat lunch at Chili’s to celebrate.  He couldn’t be happier.