And He's Off!

Elder Brian Anderson left on his flight for his two year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on July 23, 2019.  He left the Sea Tac Airport in Washington to fly to Dallas, Texas, and then finally to Sao Paulo, Brazil.  He is scheduled to arrive July 24, at 7:30 am (or 2:30am Pacific Daylight Time)  We're sure hoping that he is able to get some sleep on his red eye flight.

Brian was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the home of our stake president, Kenneth Williams, on the evening of July 22.  This means that President Williams, who holds sacred priesthood keys that authorize him to lay his hands on Brian's head, was able to give Brian power from God that will help him in sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Brian has been ordained to the office of an Elder in the priesthood and will now be called Elder Anderson for the duration of his mission.  As a special surprise, President Williams and Elder Anderson taught a brief lesson together to Elder Anderson's parents!  It was a beautiful and simple lesson about how God is our loving Heavenly Father and about how the gospel of Jesus Christ blesses families.  Elder Anderson's parents enjoyed experiencing a taste of what it will be like for the good people of Brazil as they are taught by him and his missionary companions. 

Here is Elder Anderson and his dad right before Elder Anderson went through the security section at the Sea Tac Airport. 

We are excited to hear from Elder Anderson on Tuesday, July 30, which is his preparation day (which is usually just called P-day) and are looking forward to his weekly emails and pictures.  He will spend the next six weeks in Sao Paulo at a missionary training center to begin learning the Portuguese language and about how to be a great missionary.  Then on September 3, he will fly to Manaus, Brazil to begin sharing the gospel with others.


***UPDATE on July 24:  Elder Anderson's mom received the following two emails from him.

"Just letting you know that I got here safe and sound, I'll talk to you again on Tuesday."

"I have some more time so I was going to tell you about how everything went. Airplane food was good, I got some sleep, I get more food soon so now I'm excited. Give everyone lots of hugs for me at home!"