Christmas

We didn't receive an email from Scott this week. We got something even better--a phone call on Christmas day! It was great to hear Scott's voice! We were all able to talk to him. He loves what he's doing and where he's serving. He bore his testimony and shared his favorite mission story.

We appreciate the Kirchmann family feeding the Farmington Elders a delicious prime rib lunch and allowing them to use their phone to call home!

Surprise Visitor

What are the odds that one of your high school seminary teachers is from the same small town where you are serving? Sister Cook went home (to Farmington, MN) for Christmas. She tried to go to church on Sunday and surprise Scott, but due to hazardous weather conditions, the Stake President had cancelled church. Sister Cook called Scott's Bishop, got Scott's phone number and treated Scott and his companion, Elder Hadfield to lunch at Subway.


Sister Cook had also brought a few treats from home: popcorn balls and Scott's baseball mitt.

Does he look happy, or what? Thanks, Sister Cook!

First Transfer

After 12 wonderful weeks serving in Dinky Town, Scott has been transferred to Farmington, MN. He is looking forward to serving in this new area! One of the Farmington ward missionaries, Larry Kirchmann, is a former member of our Las Palmas Ward Bishopric in Las Vegas. It's a small world!

His new mode of transportation, a car!

Elder Hadfield, Scott's new companion.

Scott describes him as "really cool!" He also said they have a lot in common. Great!

University of Minnesota

This is where Scott and Elder Hansen spend their days. They leave their apartment at 11am every morning. They work hard at making their daily goal of 50 contacts. Scott says that doesn't sound like a lot, but...Girls on campus:) Saturday is their "p-day," since there is no one on campus. Billy & Jimmy. Fighting for ????

First Companionship

After breakfast, and additional instruction, Scott met his trainer. Although Scott's letters are vague. We know his companion's name is Elder Hansen. They share an apartment with two other Elders, Elder Haymond and Elder Dahle. His first area is called "Dinky Town." It includes the University of Minnesota.

Scott & Elder Hansen

Minnesota Arrival

Scott has arrived safely in Minneapolis, MN! He and 16 other Elders were greeted at the airport by President and Sister Howell. These new missionaries were given a tour of the University of Minnesota prior to lunch and their first interviews at the mission home. After dinner, they had their first testimony meeting.

Here are all the "greenies" on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Scott Called Home

At 6:00 am our phone rang. It was Scott calling from the Salt Lake City, UT airport. He was able to talk to us for a half hour. We were able to get all the details his letters leave out. He's "stoked" to go to MN because of a great teaching experience he had in the referral center on Monday (9/15/08). He said his time in the MTC went by "fast-It was like being at EFY for one week." There are 16 Elders flying to the MN, MIN mission together this morning. He had lots of questions about home, family, the ward... He appreciates all the mail and packages that have been sent his way. He wants everyone to know he LOVES them and thanks for the support!

Call Center

Have you ever wondered what the MTC call center looks like? Well, here it is! Scott had a great experiece here on Monday. He was following up on a request for a bible. When he spoke to the gentleman who had requested it on the phone, Scott offered him a Book of Mormon. When the man asked, "What's that?" The door was opened for Scott to teach the first discussion over the phone and arrange for the missionaries to follow up. What a great way to leave the MTC! Good job, Scott!

MTC Pictures

One of these is Scott's bed at the MTC. Is it the made one on the bottom, or the unmade one on the top? He wrote and told us the first night he was at the MTC he didn't have a blanket. He was cold and had a difficult time sleeping:)



Elder Turner and Elder Nelson at the Provo temple. Elder Turner is from our home ward. He has left the MTC and is serving in Missouri.

Scott's awesome MTC companion, Elder Weigle.

MTC Update

We had a sweet phone message today from Sister Frei. She has been working with "Elder Scott" for the past two weeks. She said, "We finished up today. Your son is a fantastic young man. He is going to be a GREAT missionary. He's doing well. He's learned so much. He's just on fire." Thank you Sister Frei! Your phone call brought up to tears! It was fabulous to hear from someone who had seen and talked to and worked with our son-today:)

The Real Deal!

Tonight we were all invited over to my parents house for dinner and to have Scott be set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It was so wonderful to be there as a family with all of our brothers and sisters. Grandma came too! The spirit was very strong and the blessing was powerful. Scott will be a great missionary, but as my mom reminded all of us he will need our prayers, letters, and love. (His address is on the side!) So lets do our part to support our cute missionary!

The Final Days...

Before we could celebrate Scott's mission there was some packing that needed to be done. Not a whole lot,as you can see by the amount of bags for two years. Brooklyn even stayed up past bed time to help.

Once the packing was done it was time to party.

(Preston, Kylie, Kimi, Scott, Brittany, Minh, Jason)

Lots of friends came over and family too. We had a chocolate fountain, fireworks, and a concert all in one night.

We enjoyed the singing quite a bit. We are going to miss Scott's great voice, but it will be enjoyed in Minnesota.

Temple Trip

Today Scott received his endowment in the St. George, UT temple. It is our family's "special" temple. Our family was sealed here, Scott's grandparents on both sides received their endowments here, and even his Great-Grandpa and Grandma Nelson (the Grandpa who was the first branch president in Minneapolis, MN) were married here.

Ray and Scott went earlier than the rest of us. I was a little jealous (but just for a second) that for once I wasn't the one escorting our child into the temple.

After the session, our family and friends endured the heat and humidity and gathered outside on the steps for a group photo. We appreciated everyone who was able to attend and missed those who weren't! We look forward to the day when ALL of our children are able to be together in the temple. Like Jacob always reminds us, "We're a forever family!"

We wanted to have lunch together before heading back to Vegas. What could be better than lunch at Chuck-a-rama? The food was good and there was something for everyone. Brooklyn especially liked the cake!

Officially 19!

Happy 19th birthday, Scott! You are now officially old enough to serve a mission, and in exactly one month you will be entering the MTC. WOW!

Whatever your wish, we hope it comes true!

Mission Prep

Grandma Truman and Scott spent the day shopping. As a graduation gift, she bought him a new suit and tie to wear on his mission. The hardest (and longest) part of the day, according to Grandma, was picking out the perfect tie. Afterwards they ate at Applebees for lunch. Thanks Grandma!

Graduation

Dad, Jason, Me, Grandma Truman, Natalie, Cynthia, & Mom

Today was an exciting day! Scott is an official Silverado High School graduate. He won't miss the lectures, homework or tests, but he will miss his friends, choir and seminary. Having no school will free up his time for work and mission prep. He has set a goal to read the entire Book of Mormon before entering the Missionary Training Center. Does anyone else want to take the reading challenge with him?

Receiving the Call

Scott's mission call has FINALLY arrived! He opened it tonight at the high school, after the choir concert. LOTS, and I mean lots, of family and friends were there. Everyone had all guessed where they thought Scott would be serving the Lord for the next two years. Denise Allen was the closest. She guessed Michigan. Scott will be serving in the Minnesota, Minneapolis mission. He was so excited! He will leave on August 27, 2008.