Friday night my family gathered around cell phones all around the US to listen in on a conference call as my youngest brother, Devin, opened and read his mission call. (He’s worked every summer since before he was legal, to earn enough money to pay his way so he can serve as a representative for our church for two years. You don’t pick where you get to go, rather leaders pray and receive revelation as to where you should be called.) Despite the knowledge that this is an inspired matter, the hope is always that you’ll get sent foreign.  Not only will you have the opportunity of sharing your testimony and growing closer to your Savior, you’ll also get to learn another language and experience another culture. All of my brothers and brothers-in-laws went foreign, as did my husband. Naturally we were all a bit concerned that maybe Devin would get called “state-side” and that he would be crushed. Devin was in good spirits however, and was ready to happily serve where ever he was called. We all chatted on the phone for a while, laughing at how bizarre it was that I could hear my sisters in Utah, my brother in Arizona, and my family in Washington all on the same phone line. Finally Devin asked if we were ready. There was silence as he tore open the big manilla envelope and then he burst out in joyous laughter. I wish I had a recording to post, because Devin has the best laugh! He then said through an obviously large smile, “Okay are you ready?” He then proceeded to read his call. “Dear Devin R Petersen you have been called. . . .  to serve in the Frankfurt, Germany mission. . . .” We all squealed with excitement and relief. I screamed a little louder than most because we had all voted where we thought he might go and I had voted Frankfurt, Germany!

Why? When I sat down to think about it, I thought: How neat would it be for Devin to go to my Dad’s mission. My Dad didn’t have a super “successful” mission, he saw few if any baptisms and the people were very cold to him. I’ve rarely ever heard him speak about his experiences. How neat would it be for him to read letters from his last son as he told of how much success he was finding in a very different Germany. How special for him to have that bond with one of his sons. 

My dad was listening on after having stepped out of a work dinner in Minnesota, in his reverential patriarchal tones he expressed his excitement and pride in his son.

It was one of those 21st century family moments. Despite the miles and miles between us we couldn’t have been closer in spirit that night. My eyes tear up as I think of us all listening intently, and then cheering in union; of us feeling the spirit that accompanied that call from a Prophet of God. My own love and pride in my younger brother Devin swells to overwhelming as I think of how worthy and good he is, of how exceptional it is that at his age he would choose to forgo his own personal interests to serve the Lord. Devin will make an excellent missionary. He has a strong testimony of Jesus Christ and of the scriptures. He loves people, and has a desire to bring them happiness.

All I can say Devin, is I’ll be saving my pennies so I can be there to pick you up when you’re done!