'In our humble way......'

Well, my baby brother went through the temple on Friday. He is leaving for the MTC at the end of the month, and then onto Detroit after that. It makes me feel super old. I used to change his diapers. I started babysitting for the family when he was two, and I was fourteen. Long story short, I moved in with the family when I was seventeen, and they have been my family ever since.

So, Bradley-Boo-Shane-Johnson, this is a tribute to you. It seems like just yesterday you were in the back of the van, singing 'I saw the sign....and it opened up MINE eyes.....I saw the sign', and inviting the cashier at the store to come play Nintendo at your house....as long as she played in her underwear like you. I'm gonna miss you, big guy.

So have a blast working righteous Harry Carry! Sometimes it seems long, but it is just a fleeting moment in your life that you will always look back on with tender feelings. Enjoy it! And work hard so there are no regrets when you get home. Relish the time you are given to study the scriptures uninterrupted, and use that time to draw close to the savior. You'll never have another opportunity to do that in your whole life. That was the time I was closest to the Lord, and I miss that closeness like you wouldn't believe. I think the most valuable thing I learned on my mission is that we don't automatically have a resevoir of charity that makes us want to serve people. First you serve, then the charity comes and you want to serve more. Remember Ammon - he went to serve, not to convert. I love you, Brad!