Elder Neiswender

Holy smokes, I cannot believe I haven't blogged in so long, talk about ridiculous, but life has just been crazy busy and great!! Before I dive into playing catch up, the first thing that needs to be said, is that my little brother is now on a mission. On Tuesday, July 6, 2010, he was set apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That evening we had a great family dinner, and then went to meet with the stake president. He invited both my parents to say a few words and I was instantly bawling. I tried so hard to not cry and to be strong for Travis, but it just didn't happen. He was set apart and it was a great blessing that will carry him through his mission. He then shared his testimony with us as a brand new missionary and it all sunk it. Afterwards, we all exchanged hugs and didn't want to let each other go. It was easily one of the hardest things I've EVER had to do in my entire life. I hate thinking about life without him for the next two years. Not that this is to be depressing or anything, because it's not like I see him on a daily basis anyways, I haven't lived with him for three years, but I just think about the things that could take place in the next two years of my life, and it breaks my heart that my little brother won't be there.

However, I absolutely know that he is doing the right thing. I am so proud of him for his choice to serve. He will be in the Honduras San Pedro Sula Mission after he finishes his time at the MTC. He is going to be a knock out missionary and he will bring the gospel to so many people. He will be missed by those of us at home, but we love and support him so much and wouldn't want him to be doing anything other than this at this point in his life. Good work Little Brother, we are so proud of you and you are in our prayers!!

(For anybody wanting to follow his mission, I will be periodically updating a blog for his mission stories. www.littlebrotherserves.blogspot.com)

Dad, Travis and Mom

Me and Little Brother

Melanie, Me, Travis, Danielle.

The sisters that were there at the setting apart

Josh, Travis and Troy

The brothers that were there.

Davy and Travis

Davy wound up staying with us and coming to the MTC

the next day because he was so sad that Travis was

leaving.

Travis and Kristi at the MTC

Traditional single siblings picture

Normal Single siblings picture

Little Brother and me right before we

said goodbye.

I did good and didn't cry at this part, until I got in my

car where he couldn't see. ;)