Final Moments with our Der

My brother Der (Devin) left for his mission on Tuesday, August 11. We took him to the airport because he reported to the MTC in Brazil on Wednesday. He will be serving in the Brazil Sao Paulo East mission for the next 24 months. I will sure miss his smiling face and always happy and friendly personality, but I want him to know that I am very happy that he has made this decision to serve a mission for our Lord. I know that he will be eternally blessed for this decision, as will the lucky people in Sao Paulo that will be taught by him!

Below are our final moments with as a family prior to Der's plane taking off.

Party at the Cabin!

Der invited some of his friends to our cabin up Spanish Fork canyon for fun and celebrating. We had a great time. We played Raving Rabbids on the Wii, fixed tin foil dinners, and enjoyed the company of family and friends. It was really funny to watch everyone play Raving Rabbids! Thanks to everyone who came and had a good time with us!

Friends & Farewells....

On Sunday morning Der gave a very moving and thoughtful talk in our Sacrament meeting about one of his heros, Joseph Smith. There were many of his friends and our family who came to support him and give him their love and best wishes. After the meeting, we went to the Sports Park in Spanish Fork and enjoyed eachother's company and ate delicious food. There were tons of people there. It was really a comfort to me to see all of the people who love and will be praying for my Der while he is away. I am very thankful for the support and love of our family and friends.

Some of Der's friends

My Grandma & Grandpa Hill

My brother Brady and his beautiful wife Kimberly

Grandma & Grandpa Nelson

More of Der's friends

At the Sports Park there is a great play ground for the kids, this is where most of them spent their time. My darling girl loves the swing, and that is where she spent the entire day. We had to keep trading people to push her in the swing, because the second she had to get out of the swing, she would start to cry.

These next few pictures I have posted especially for my aunt Jnet. We love you Net, and I know that your love and prayers are always with us!

My aunt Rachelle's new little girl Reece. She is a very beautiful and sweet little girl!

This is my cousin Whitney's little boy Brixton. You may not be able to see this in the picture, but he is laughing so hard! Aunt Emily was making faces at him and he was loving it!

Where much is given, much is required.

This is our family just outside the Stake Office after our Der became Elder Nelson. It was a very beautiful little meeting. The Spirit really testified to me that Devin has been called to serve the Lord and he will be protected while in the service of our father.

Packing Up and Heading Out

From Sunday night to Tuesday morning, the time just flew by. We all gathered at my mom's house for breakfast at 8:30; dad make eggs, pancakes, sausage, and juice. It was very delicious.

Everyone helped Der with his final packing, and then, out the door we went. I snapped a few pictures along the way.

This is one of the most precious pictures to me. Hannah really loves her uncles! Der is reading Five Little Monkeys to Hannah and they are making monkey noises at eachother.

Getting things squared away at the airport. Thanks to aunt Jolene for making everything run smoothly!

Last moments together, final words, and last hugs.

And before we knew it, we were standing across the street watching the airplane back away from the terminal, taxi down the runway and...

Off it went. We will see you in two years Der!

Good Luck! We will be praying for you and writing you letters all the time!

Love YOU!!