Once Upon a Time in Albania

My baby brother is officially a missionary now. He entered the Provo MTC earlier this week. It was looking a little rocky for a while there, with his plane grounded at RDU thanks to a freak snowstorm. But he finally made it off the ground, barely made his connection in Atlanta, and after waiting for his bags (which were sent to Denver by accident), he finally arrived at the MTC. I can't believe my "Bug" is now "Elder Scadden".

When Gregory was visiting us after Christmas, I was continually amazed at his perception and understanding of the Gospel. It made me smile each time I saw him at the table, tuning out the football games, and studying his Scriptures. When we moved to Texas he was still a punk teenager. All of a sudden I saw a serious young man, eager to learn as much as he could in order to be the best missionary he could be.

I'm also amazed at how much he has thought out the course of his life. When I was his age, I didn't know what I wanted to do the next week, and here he is, making plans to become an LDS Chaplain for the Army and talking to me about military insurance and pension plans for career military and how he wants to be able to retire early so he will be able to spend more time with his family. Where did this man come from?

I am so proud of my brother. I know that he will be so blessed by his missionary experience. I also know that his eagerness to live life to the fullest, to not miss a single blessing, will rub off on those he comes in contact with in Albania. His understanding and love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ will invite the Spirit to each encounter, and those who are open to that feeling will undoubtedly be touched and changed by it's presence. I pray for his safety and his happiness. I am so, so proud of him.

If you want to follow Elder Scadden through his time as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, just visit his blog, Once Upon a Time in Albania. My sister and dad will update it as they recieve letters and pictures from Elder Scadden. What fun it will be to see his experienc unfold!