The Road Leading to the MTC

With the mission call to Sydney, Australia in hand, Bracken had a good five months to prepare before entering the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah.  The time seemed like forever away, however, Bracken made great use of his time and prepared himself in every way necessary.

 

 

Different job opportunities at Diablo Country Club golf course, and BEST BUY definitely kept Bracken busy.  However, even better were the fabulous job perks for not only he, but our family as well (THANKS BRACKEN)!  Golfing privileges at the country club, and huge discounts on electronics galore made a lot of family members very,very HAPPY.  Consistently  being the top salesman at BEST BUY made Bracken pretty happy as well.  His sales success made it no surprise when even the store manager hoped Bracken would consider staying employed with their company.  Honored with the offer, yet declined, since Bracken had nothing but his full time mission on his radar for his upcoming future.

 



 

 

 

Joining with the local Mandarin Chinese branch kept Bracken busy on Sunday's as he enjoyed attending their church meetings, and getting to practice his mandarin as well.  What a small world to find out the Mandarin branch president was a father to one of our very good friends in our Shanghai branch whom our family had met when he had come to visit in Shanghai!

 

 

(The Luangrath Family)

 



Spending time visiting investigators with our local full time missionaries was one of Bracken's favorite things to do.  The missionaries equally loved Bracken tagging along with them, and the perks of having a car and driver instead of their bicycles were always appreciated!

 

 



 

Filling out necessary paperwork, and forms galore were constant, but Bracken's organization skills were impressive!  We were amazed how thorough and prompt he was in getting everything filled out and turned in to the proper destinations.  Finding Bracken's weekly checklists were common, and I have to admit realizing his independence made this mom constantly realize her little boy was on his way to becoming a MAN!

 

 

  



With preparations very much under way, Bracken was invited by our stake president to be a speaker at stake conference held in the conference center next to the Oakland temple.  How proud we were of our boy as he prepared and spoke with confidence about his decision to serve a mission.  We could clearly see what a fabulous missionary he was soon to be.

 

 

  

One of the greatest events in Bracken's preparations to serve his mission, was the opportunity to go through the temple for the first time.  It was a rainy and cold evening at the Oakland temple, but the feelings were nothing but warm.  The evening was next to perfect, and it is safe to say it will never be forgotten.

 



 



 

A few weeks before entering the MTC, several family members had come to visit for the BYU football bowl game held in San Francisco.  What a perfect time for Bracken to be able to hold his farewell speech in our home ward.  Bracken's heartfelt talk and testimony was felt by all.  What a huge blessing to have so many family members in attendance, and so many reasons to celebrate Bracken!



 

(Bracken asked Ron Barker, our friend and fabulous home teacher to speak with him on his special day)

 





 

 



 

Aunt Amy and Bracken have always had the sweetest friendship.  A big thanks to a wonderful and thoughtful aunt who made this special plaque for our home.  There is not a day that will go by that we won't look at it, and remember our sweet boy.



 

Before we all knew it, time had cruised along, and Bracken's MTC entrance was just a week away. A few final goodbyes to local friends and ward members who had been a huge support to Bracken was held for Bracken in our home.  We will always be grateful to so many who continue to be so supportive of him.

 

 

 

Final preparations were in order which included shopping for suits and other missionary gear.  Our family headed to Salt Lake City where we knew we would find everything needed on Bracken's missionary checklist. 

 

Even the best salesman at the store could not top John and his suit shopping skills.  For literally over three hours, I stood back and smiled as a proud father made sure his son was getting fit with the right color of suits, ties, socks, shoes and belts..........There was no doubt, Bracken was going to the MTC in style!

 





  

With three days remaining,  Bishop Wilde (Bracken's grandpa)  thought it would be great for his grandson to address the people in his home ward in Sandy, Utah.  What an honor it was for Bracken to be able to give yet another farewell address with so many other family and friends in attendance.  What a great opportunity to also be asked by Uncle Tyler and Aunt Carrie to be part of the blessing of their new baby, Christian.  We are soooo blessed to have the greatest family!!

 

 

(93 year old Great Grandma Jorgensen)

 

 

(Sweet Baby Christian)



 

A few last requests (Cheesecake Factory Oreo cheesecake,  and one last good game of Rook and marbles before starting his goodbyes.......

 



 

(Preston writes his goodbye letter to his big brother)

 

The day had arrived!!!  With emotions high, our family headed down to Provo, Utah.  Our first stop was a special appointment with the MTC presidency to have Bracken set apart as a missionary, before his entrance into the Mission Training Center.  How lucky our family was to be special guests at the MTC, and walk the halls where Bracken and thousands of other elders would be spending the next several weeks before heading to Sydney.  It was fun for our dad to reflect back on the wonderful time he also spent here.

 

 

 

(Elder Roach from the MTC presidency set Bracken apart as a full time missionary)

What a perfect day, and a bittersweet moment to now say goodbye to our Elder.  Words can't express the emotions that were felt by each one of us, but how absolutely grateful and proud that Bracken had made this choice to serve a mission.  We will miss Bracken beyond words, and will think and pray for him Every. Single. Day.  We LOVE you Bracken, and look forward to every experience you have for the next two years.  Thank you for being the son you are, and for the amazing example you continue to be to your three adoring brothers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a lot of hugs, plenty of tears, but filled with a whole lot of JOY, our family headed back to San Francisco.  On our way home, we were definitely grateful for calls, texts, and e-mails from friends and family reminding us of the blessings we can look forward to as we watch our Elder progress in so many ways over the next two years. 

 





But the biggest THANKS goes to my ever thoughtful sister and mother.  Like always, Amy not only knows just the perfect gift.....



 

But also, the perfect words a emotional mother needed to hear...... 



 

"Thinking of you on this bittersweet day.  Only 729 days left.  Until then, enjoy these green and gold flowers...the official colors of the luckiest country "down under," who will soon receive the choicest missionary around."

 

And to my amazing sister in law Natalie, and mother who immediately set up a missionary blog for Bracken so friends and family could always keep in touch with his services abroad.

 

 

www.elderbrackenwilde.blogspot.com