Elder Brooksby-Called to Serve

In the words of my missionary friend in England,

"As a missionary, you become an angel of God."

This past week we celebrated as Tyson prepared to leave for the Missionary Training Center.

Looking through my blogs, I realize that I don't speak often enough about the oldest boy in our family, and my 'lil brother.

I want to tell you about him, who is our 'angel of God'.

Ever since we were younger, Tyson has had a big heart for people. The friendships he had were so important to him, shooting bows are arrows and playing Cops and Robbers became a staple in his childhood. He has grown up with Lance and Shelby as his childhood friends, and though distance seperated them five years ago, there's a strong bond between them.

Tyson loves his mom. He cares about each one of our siblings like he's their dad- teaching them wierd faces, tossing them up in the air (and catching them at the bottom), "Peace Out, 'Lias" he throws down the peace sign, and he watches out for his sisters. He respects and loves his dad, despite differences. He loves his family.

He is going to ROCK PORTUGAL's WORLD! Haha, aided by his future companions and the Holy Spirit, Elder Brooksby is going to be just where he needs to be. Just what both he and the Portugese people need.

I never anticipated that's where he would serve. I don't think any of us did (except Trey, who guessed his mission dead on). But dude. He's going to be awesome.

I wish you all could have been there for his farewell talk. Needless to say, he made me cry talking about Christ as his best friend, someone whom he was so excited to talk about. And the resurrection, the little girl who's brother died in the hospital after his birth, that story made me cry too. But I wanted to share these quotes from him.

“I have been called to serve him. This work He began 2000 years ago I can continue by serving His children in Portugal. I want to be like Him, He had so much opposition through His earthly ministry. But Nothing could stop Him from continuing the work of His Father. And because of this, nothing will stop me.”

 And another quote, “The opportunity to bear his name at all times and share what I know of Him and His teachings will be one of the greatest blessings in my life. To hold The Book of Mormon and Holy Bible, His witnesses, each day as I walk though the streets of Lisbon.

I cannot think of a more excellent way to spend my borrowed time.”

I’m super blessed. I’m spoiled. And I’m so proud of my brother.

Good Moms let their kids lick the beaters. Great Moms turn them off first.

This was taken the night I opened my call. Mona has beautiful sunsets. At night, the stars are so close, it feels as though you could reach up and touch one.

After Tyson was ordained an Elder for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He's got a lot of love behind him . :)

Sierra! I don't know if she's ever had a bad picture. This is her with Trey, Tyson and I at Kiah Gonzales' wedding. She's so spunky and absolutely gorgeous. 

I love this one! Trey is....my buddy. Trey helps me see the peace in the world, but also keeps me on my toes! He explains things so simply...I'm really proud of him.

The day she married her eternal companion, I cried. I'm so happy for her.