The Farewell

                                                                                                                                 July 28, 2013
        It's amazing how fast 3 long months can go.  It was that long ago that Travis and his cousin Spencer opened their mission calls.  Travis has been called to speak Spanish in the Argentina, Mendoza Mission; he enters the MTC on July 31st.  And Spencer has been called to the Dominican Republic mission, Spanish speaking and reports to that MTC the same week.  Their other cousin Caleb received his mission call already and he has been called to the California, San Bernardino Mission and is also going Spanish speaking!   It is such an exciting time.  These are the 3 youngest of 7 cousins that will be serving missions concurrently.  It felt like we had so much time to prepare and plan but as usual the time has past quickly and I find myself scrambling to finish buying all of the things he will need.  Travis spoke in church and did an amazing job.  He is such a good and kind young man and I have no doubt that he will accomplish great things in his life.  I am so thankful for Travis and his willing heart.  I am grateful that he has prepared himself throughout his life so that he could take these two years to go and serve the Lord diligently.  While I will miss him and his sweet personality in our home, I know that his decision is the right one.  I will miss him calling me throughout our house..."Mom..., Mom..., Mommy...,Lisa..." And I will miss his sense of humor, he is one of the funniest people I know.  I will mostly miss him coming home at night and kissing me good night.  He has a kind and gentle soul and with that he will change lives for ever.  After Travis spoke at our church, we rushed over to hear Spencer speak at his church; another amazing talk.  Then that evening we invited family and friends over to say goodbye to Travis, Spencer and Sydney Sperry a family friend who spoke today, as well.  We had a wonderful gathering in the backyard, filled with so many great people wanting to say goodbye to these incredible missionaries.
   ~Lisa

Travis, Sydney, Spencer

The Family

The Bairds, Bishop Carter and Jared Branwell.