The Farewell

Austin spoke in sacrament on the Sunday before he left for the MTC.  He also sang "A Window to His Love" with his friend Caroline as a part of the meeting.  (His first ever music solo!)  He was a little anxious and got up to speak before it was his turn :)  Austin spoke about member missionary work and indicated that it was important to be an example and not afraid of who you are.  He said that something as simple as wearing a CTR ring can turn into a missionary moment if we are open to sharing with others.

Family and friends gathered after the meeting to celebrate and say goodbye.

Below:  Austin and his Sister Lexie

The group gathers at the house for an early lunch.

From Left:  Karey (a family friend), Jill (Aunt), Taylor (nephew)

Clockwise From Front Left:  Matt, Jace (brother), Hannah, Ryan, Alex (all the rest are cousins)

Clockwise from Left:  Kilen, Dax, Caleb, Talysha (All Cousins)

Looking at the Camera:  Mylie (niece) and Caroline (friend)

From Left:  Justin (brother-in-law) and Dad

Friends of Austin's

All the boys.

From Left:  Austin, Dad, Jace

Austin and Jace

Austin with Dad and Mom

From Left:  Sisters Lexie and Lyndsay, Dad, Austin, Mom, and brother Jace

Austin with sister Lyndsay

From Left:  Grandpa Merlyn, Austin, Grandma Connie

Austin with Grandpa Wayne

Austin with his Grandpas

Austin and Karli

Going to the Temple...

Austin received his endowments in the Ogden Utah Temple on 11 July 2009. 

From Left:  Mom, Austin, Dad

From Left:  Lexie (Sister), Craig (Brother-in-Law), Mom, Austin, Dad

Austin with Grandma Connie

The Call

Austin received his mission call on the 14th of May 2009.  Family and friends gathered at his home for the opening of the envelope.  Everyone made a guess at where he was going and posted it on the map you see behind him.  One person, Tara, guessed Chile.

 

Austin was particularly excited because he wanted to serve a Spanish speaking mission. His best friend, Tyson, is going to serve in the Ecuador - Quito mission. This was part of why he wanted to speak Spanish. His family is excited that he will be serving in a relatively safe country with humble people who will be ready to hear the Gospel.