Where in the World is Parker Gonna Serve?

FROM  MY MOM'S POINT OF VIEW

On October 5, 2012, Parker said: "Only 2 more years until the BEST 2 years of my life!"  Little did we know that 12 hours later President Thomas S. Monson would make the epic announcement about the missionary age change, and that Parker would be gone, serving a mission in only 10 months!

John and I were watching the October General Conference live when President Monson made the announcement.  My wide eyes filled with tears, John paused the program and said, "I think we better wake up the boys."

I went into Parker's room and said President Monson is making a huge announcement about missionaries that affects you and you need to watch this.  Parker jumped up (not normal for a 17 year old, on a Saturday, excited for GC - weird!?)  Parker curled up in the comfy chair, facing the TV, across from me.  I was facing him, watching his reaction.  

He turned his head toward me, mouth open and said Really?  Trying not to let the tears fall down my face, 

I replied Yes.  He said, I am TOTALLY going!

Parker turned in his mission papers March 22, 2013 and his envelope arrived, April 2, but Parker was in St. George enjoying Spring Break with friends.  We knew the call would arrive while he was gone and I thought this would drive me NUTS, but I had a "calm" about the whole thing.  Weird for Mom... many of my friends couldn't believe that I wouldn't take a peek or pull a prank on Parker.  I had a "peace" that came over me and I knew everything would be okay and that Parker would be called to serve EXACTLY where he was suppose to be.

North Carolina Raleigh Mission

Provo MTC - August 14, 2013

Parker's Dad served his mission in North Carolina-Charlotte in 1985-86, so this was a huge announcement and we are all so excited!!