June 24, 2015

Not going to lie, this day has been long, and it's been hard!  It still is hard right now.  But I know what I'm doing is right. My companion is pretty cool, Elder Keetch from Idaho.

Well to start off, Jack and I were kind of late checking in, so we didn't get companions right away. Then we got separated in this giant orientation meeting.  For the closing hymn we sang "Bring the World His Truth" (Army of Helaman) Man that was cool! The spirit was very strong.  

I'm getting to know everyone and they are pretty cool.  Well, lights out in 5 min!

Elder Verdoni (Brandon)

June 25, 2015

Day 2 has been much easier, but I'm so tired. OH GUESS WHAT? All the First Presidency of the Church and members of the 12 are on campus this week talking to all the new Mish Presidents (Michael's!) (His older brother is serving in Ghana Kumasi and they are getting a new MP next week)

Also that pedigree chart came in handy! (He gave mom a hard time for making one & laminating it thinking it was silly) I found out that I'm related to an Elder in my district! Elder Foster from Dallas, Texas. He's related to Fleetwood. (His great great grandfather)

Also something funny, all the Elders in my room are from small towns, really small towns.  Good guys, I love them but their towns range from 120-250.  That's so crazy! My graduating class is double all their towns put together.

Miss you lots, 

Elder Verdoni

 

 

Saying good-bye!

Tuesday night June 23 Brandon was set apart as a full-time missionary by President Whimpey. Many friends and family came to share in the advent. Hugs were given, tears were shed and pictures taken. Afterwards we went as a family one last time to Olive Garden.  Brandon had not yet begun to pack but at least had everything in order.  Many friends hung about the house until 1a.m., some stayed the night, and all returned and many more for french toast breakfast at 4:30 a.m. made by good friend Nikki!

 We arrived at the airport 5:45 a.m. and his luggage weighed under 50lbs each! We then waited by the security entry point as did many other missionary families, and also the family of his good friend Jack who departs the same day as Brandon. Little cousin (2yr old) Jaxon entertained us all with his abundance of energy! The moment arrives to say good-bye!  Again many hugs, lots of tears, more hugs and lots of pictures!

We arrived home with one less family member. Brandon's car sits on the street and not in the driveway.  Mom can not get herself to drive it, so she asked Jacob (almost 15) to pull it in.  He was so excited and Mom stood by door as wingman (fearing he would hit the gas pedal instead of brakes and drive thru the garage.) Great job Jacob! And Brandon arrived in SLC by 10:30am, picked up by his Uncle, Aunt and Cousin.  They treated them to Brick Oven Pizza (missionaries eat free :) They dropped them off at the Provo MTC later that afternoon!

My home is with two less sons, one serving in Ghana, West Africa and the other in Ohio, USA.  I've dreamed of sending my sons on missions before they were born.  I taught them to pray, to serve and to love.  We have found much happiness in our home and my sons desire to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to others so they may have the same joy as we do. I trust the Lord to watch over them as they are in his service.  I also trust that we here at home will find our needs met and comfort as they are gone.

 

 Brother's Hug

Father's Hug

Sister Hug

 Almost like brothers

Almost like siblings

Our little family

May 17, 2015

Sunday

The envelope arrived Saturday and we waited until Sunday evening when family and friends could gather to hear where and when Brandon would serving the next 2 years as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Guest wrote their guesses and pinned it to the map, Nobody guessed correctly!

Dear Elder Verdoni: 

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 Ohio Cincinnati Mission.  It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 24 months.  You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, June 24, 2015.  You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.

Blurry pictures because Mom was shaky! 

Brandon had us sing then he read a scripture and stated that he 

would serve where ever the Lord asked.

Grandparents singing away! 

  

His brother in Kumasi Ghana