Ohio Cleveland Mission

"Thou art called to labor in my vineyard, and to build up my church, and to bring forth Zion, that it may rejoice upon the hills and flourish.
Behold, verily, verily, I say unto thee, thou art not called to go into the eastern countries, but thou art called to go to the Ohio.
Inasmuch as my people shall assemble themselves at the Ohio, I have kept in store a blessing such as is not known among the children of men, and it shall be poured forth upon their heads. And from thence men shall go forth into all nations."

Doctrine and Covenants 39:13-15

Monday, July 18, 2011

The Farewell & Setting Apart

Brad did an amazing job at his farewell.  He spoke of preparing others for the Second Coming of Christ and spoke with confidence and maturity.  He did get emotional which I think caught him off guard, but he did an amazing job and we were very proud of him.  We had some close friends and family over on Saturday night to say goodbye.  We have amazing friends and such supportive family.  I appreciate the influence so many have had on our son.  He is a great young man who is ready to go out and serve the Lord.
 Pete and Julie and their cute family stopped in Saturday night on their way home from Utah!  Then they came to the farewell the next morning!  Thank you sooo much for your support!!
 Brad's girlfriend Hillary flew in from Utah for the farewell.  She and Kendra and my mom took care of most of the food.  Thanks guys!



Brad's friend Ali Kavorkian and her family came to say good bye.  They have known each other since 3rd grade and the Kavorkian's have kind of adopted Brad!  We really appreciate their friendship and support.


Uncle J.D. and Aunt Kendra flew in from Gilbert, AZ and stayed for a few days.  We had a great time and really appreciate them coming and spending time with Brad.


Hillary has been very supportive of Brad and full of encouragement for him to serve a mission and we appreciate that so much!


Jenni and Ali both flew in for the farewell and it felt for a minute like time had stopped!  I appreciate their great husbands who let them come while they stayed home and worked!  They are great guys and I love them both!

 Look now, because Ryan will be taller than Brad when Brad comes home!  
 Papa Doc and Grama Joan came and spent the week with us.  It is great to have such supportive grandparents!  
  


 Papa Dean and Grama Judy came  and passed on a new family tradition.  When they went on their mission 2 years ago, they were given a "baton" or the iron rod is what I like to call it.  Each of Brad's Skalla Uncles and even Aunt Carol served full time missions.  Grandpa and Grandma finished strong to have all 7 of them serve full time!  That is quite an accomplishment!  Each name is on the "rod".   It was passed to Brad and he looks forward to passing it on to his cousins and brother.

 That night at 9 PM we met with President Ralph Walker who set Brad apart as a Full Time Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Bishop Bertoch was kind enough to join our family.  It was a wonderful blessing and I am so grateful for these two men and their influence in Brad's life.


 Our family with our Missionary

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