Opening the call

June 11, 2019
This was probably the most anticipated day since Christmas that our family had ever experienced. Mitchell wanted to read aloud his call in front of friends and family. So at 8 pm in the Relief Society at the church, Mitchell stood in front of the blackboard holding his phone anxiously
We were all pretty excited and calling out our guesses to where he was going to be called. Since as long as Mitchell could remember, Mitchell thought he was for sure going to go Texas. The wait was finally over.
So, here's the LONG VERSION:
When we initially submitted Mitchell's mission papers, we sent in a black and white photo. I really didn't know better. We then heard from Bishop Rose early Saturday morning that Salt Lake had just contacted him requesting that we send in a color photo instead. I thought, "oh no", that is going to throw off everything. He's not going to Texas. Oh thee of little faith.... what was I thinking?
Everything was going to work out. I had to believe that.
So we resubmitted a color picture taken in front of the Kirk and Noreen building where he went to early morning seminary for the past 4 years. It seemed fitting.
We sent it in and waited. Then, a week or so later, a very good friend of ours Angela Harris sent a video of her son James' video mission call.  We watched........and guess where he was going? TEXAS. I honestly felt bad for Mitchell. I felt I had failed him and James had gotten his mission!

We all walked to the church. Actually, for some reason, I drove. Oh yes, because we were late, what's new? So we all walked in to find friends, member and non-members, ward members, our bishop and wife and lots and lots of teenagers! Everyone had their phones out in front of them ready to film. Let's go. So, he started talking, I hereby call you Mitchell Andrew Nehorai to labor in the..........Utah, Layton Mission. The room erupted with gasps, quickly silenced with screams and mostly ending in laughter which I think represented relief for most of us. Is a white boy who grew up in the burbs really ready to live in a hut in a jungle for two years? I don't think so and thank goodness, we don't have to find out. Well, that was my worst fear.  When I heard Utah, I collapsed onto the floor...........and stayed there............for a few seconds. Did he really just say
Utah?

Thank you Heavenly Father, thank you, thank you, thank you.
From the pictures below, it's pretty easy to guess if Mitchell was happy about this as well.  He is ecstatic! We are all relieved.