Called to Serve

Ben's mission call arrived in the mail on Thursday, March 19th, 2015. We took it to him at Davis High School during lunch (he suddenly became very popular) and then took it home again and kept it safe in the mailbox until after school. 

Addressed to "Elder Benjamin Mark Francis."

We were all excited! He opened it that afternoon when all of the immediate family and grandparents were present. Before opening the envelope, we listened to Uncles Jake and Joe Hunsaker sing, "I Will Not Be Still," on the video that was taken of them together in the MTC, 2008.

Ben read through the call, and we were thrilled and surprised when it said, "Denmark Copenhagen Mission." We all gasped, screamed and cried. :) 

I love the promises still contained in the call, "Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you..." That line has been there for decades. 

Since that moment, our hearts have been full of Denmark! The mission and region (which Ben was also called to serve in in a separate sentence) include Denmark, Iceland, Greenland, and several other islands.

We realized that Ben actually met the King of Iceland when he was just three weeks old. A special fireside was held in Spanish Fork, Utah, where we lived, and we went with Grandpa Francis to hear the king speak at Icelandic Days. Spanish Fork is apparently the oldest settlement of Icelanders in the United States. Who knew this meeting would be so significant? :)

About two years ago Baden bought this missionary figure at Deseret Book to give to Ben. He saved it until this special day to present to him! It was a teary moment.

So glad both sets of grandparents could be with us for such a special moment!