Mission Preparation and the Call!

 What does it take to get ready to serve a mission?  Not only does it take much spiritual and mental preparation, it also takes a lot of physical preparation.  Since they want to reduce the chance of health problems while on their mission, it is recommended that they take care of anything that might be cause for concern over the next two years.  Since Braxton has had problems with his tonsils, he had those removed.  He also had his wisdom teeth pulled. He prepared physically by taking up running in the weeks before he left.

This is Braxton at the hospital when he got 

his tonsils taken out.   

After Braxton had the required interviews with the Bishop and the Stake President, the waiting began!  Braxton was anxious to receive his call and learn where he would spend the next two years. Many family and friends gathered to hear the verdict in May.  The letter read:

Dear Elder Crapo,
 You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the NEVADA LAS VEGAS WEST MISSION! You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, July 18, 2012.

Everyone listened anxiously as Braxton opened the big envelope and read the words from the First Presidency.  He was so nervous, he ripped the page with his actual calling on it when he opened the envelope.

All the nieces and nephews were excited to hear where Uncle Braxton was going!

 

Many of his good friends came to hear, too! 

After the call and he knew where he was going, he had a couple months to prepare.  He increased his study of the scriptures, tied up loose ends, put his motorcycle up for sale and started shopping for the items he would need on his mission.  Ferrel's in Rexburg helped him out with the shopping part.  He couldn't have done it without his mom!

Braxton purchased his suits, shoes and other items he would need at Ferrell's.  Since they cater to missionaries, they have a "Called to Serve Wall" that all the missionaries sign when they come in there.  They put their name and where they've been called to serve to.  These pictures are of Braxton signing the wall. 

Look at that grin!