So last night my family anxiously gathered at my parents to hear where my younger brother Vini will be called to serve. It was a night we all have been waitng for, for years. The first missionary in my immediate family. Of course my poor brother had to wait all day long til everyone was off work so finally 10pm hits and we're all ready except Lora and Hobart are running late. What a buzz killer! When they finally arrive, we all take a wild guess at where he would be called. Guesses of countries all over the world from Europe to the Phillipines and even to the motherland of Samoa. We finally let the missionary take a whack at it and his guess was, California! With wide stares and everyone at the edge of their seats, holding their breath, the big white envelope finally opens and Vini reads, "you have been called to serve in the San Bernadino California mission, english speaking!" Everyone finally takes a breath and is just soooo happy for Elder Purcell.
My brother Vini is a very special person. Those of you who know him well, knows that he was born to serve the lord. I have been amazed watching him mature into a man that is so strong despite all the trials our youth is faced with these days. He's very obedient and very well mannered. He's been preparing himself for this day and he is ready. My testimony of the gospel has grown from watching him go to the temple every Saturday with my parents to do baptisms for the dead while they are in their session. I'm so excited for him and know he will be an awesome missionary. However, I'm a bit worried about my mother. Vini is her right-hand man, and the biggest mama's boy so we'll all be praying for her :) I'm incredibly thrilled and honored to be his sister. I never doubted this day would come. We love you Vini and we're sooooo proud of you!
Today the Elder officially joined the army of God. We dropped the Elder off at the MTC and it sucked! The flu bug hit the MTC hard--17 Elders down and only 5 beds--so we got the phone call that we were only allowed to drop off and basically get out! The MTC was being quarantined so there was no devotional, no long goodbyes--which maybe was a good thing, no watching the old school video, and no one but missionaries even allowed to touch the MTC grounds! Did I mention it sucked! Well the Elder was sooo excited and smiled the whole time while we wallowed in our tears. Devyn was in primary children's ER last night from swallowing two coins--that's a post in itself--I'm just so grateful she was good to go before Vini entered the MTC and we were able to be there. I couldn't stop thinking of my brother today but I came across these pictures and they put a big smile on my face. I LOVE YOU Elder Purcell!
