An ordination, an endowment and a calling

Kia ora! This post is all about James and these major milestones in his life.

In August James was set apart to the office of elder and received the Melchizedek Priesthood. Brad did the setting apart and our Bishop, Gavin Midgley, and Ryan stood in the circle. It was a small circle and I couldn't help but think about how different his circle would have been if we still lived in Idaho and could share this momentous occasion with family and friends. However, it was still special. Another young man from our ward was set apart at the same time and his friends and family filled up pretty much the entire RS room!

August 25, 2024

Bishop Midgley, James, Brad and Ryan

Then, on September 1, 2024, James entered the Hamilton New Zealand Temple and received his endowment. Oh man, it was pretty awesome to be there in the celestial room with Brad, James and Ryan. Our bishop was also able to join us and I appreciate him taking the time to be there. It was a special day! James had lots of good questions and insights that I definitely didn't think about when I was new to the temple. He is quite impressive!

Then, on October 9, 2024, James came knocking on our bedroom door and let us know he had received his mission call! We didn't even know for certain if all his paperwork had been submitted so we were quite surprised to hear this news! James didn't want to wait very long before opening it, so we decided to open it at noon. We let friends, family and our brand spanking new bishop, Bishop Kingi Dennis know. We are glad that Bishop Dennis was able to join us on such short notice, it made it a bit more special! 

Here is James getting ready to open his call. Where will he get called to serve?!?!

 

And here he is reading his call. Yup, forever we will have his mother's reaction recorded. It's just what I was thinking.

We did not see this one coming! But James was ecstatic. I'm going to share a little story with you now.

Way back in 2023 when we came to visit New Zealand James instantly fell in love with the country. He just felt a connection to it and loved it. So, then when we decided to move he was pretty excited about living there. However, he had been preparing to start his mission papers, as he was planning on serving right after high school. But now, knowing we'd be moving to NZ right after he graduated he decided to delay his call and first spend a year living in NZ. However, after praying about the decision he realized it was not the right choice and he should move forward with his call. He did decide to wait, though, and start his papers until we got to NZ. Once we got here he started meeting with Bishop and we began the paperwork and doctor visits, etc. When his call came and he learned he'd get to keep living in New Zeland he was pretty happy. And now I feel like we know why he instantly felt a connection and love for this country. His mother, however, took some time to get used to the idea that her son could be as close as an hour and a half away while he served his mission. However, nearly 3 months into his service I find a comfort in knowing he's not far. 

With love from New Zealand,

Lyndsay