Years ago, when Marshall was in Kindergarten, he went on a field trip over to a local community college close to his elementary school. If I remember correctly, the purpose of the field trip was to open the student's eyes to the endless possibilities of what they could be/do when they grew up. They all came home with various signs hung around their necks explaining their choices. This was Marshall's! Marshall has grown up knowing that his future aspirations included serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints one day. Last night, after MUCH anticipation, he opened his call, which had finally come in the mail that day. Marshall will be serving in the Brazil Porto Alegre North Mission. He could have gone anywhere in the world! There is a very large Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT (which is where Marshall has been washing dishes for the last 6 months!) and that is where most missionaries go before they leave for their assignments. However, there are some Missionary Training Centers located throughout the world, and there happens to be one in Brazil, soooo...he'll leave straight from home to Brazil. YIKES! He reports on August 26th. We have a lot to do in four months!
Marshall has had some great examples along the way. He grew up hearing wonderful stories of his father's mission to Paris, France. Rich served for two years from 1976-1978. Marshall's older brother, Chris, served in Knoxville, Tennessee from 2002-2004. Marshall's brother-in-law, Joseph, served in Samoa. I have always loved this picture of Chris and Marshall. They didn't have too many matching pieces of clothing like the girls did, but I loved these shirts!
Marshall has a cousin-once-removed (that would be his cousin's son) named Perry Sessions. Perry recently received his mission call to New Zealand. Marshall and Perry's paths have crossed occasionally over the years. They've both been at BYU for their freshman year. Can't remember how long ago this was! But we're sure excited for Perry also. He leaves July 2nd.
A couple of years ago we were at the church museum in Independence, MO. There was a display showing all of the languages that the Book of Mormon has been printed in. Have you ever heard of a language called "Marshallese"? We thought that was great. I've often wondered where in the world they speak "Marshallese".
Thanks to Chris, Rich, Sarah, and I were able to see Marshall open his call, via a web cam. It was pretty chaotic, but definitely memorable. Here's a fine picture of the group right afterwards. Apparently there was some discussion as to whether my "known-to-be-very-emotional son" would possibly shed tears when he finally read the letter, but no, he was ALL smiles and very thrilled. We had all tried to guess where it was that he would go, but we were all pretty off the mark. Oh well, the possibilities were endless!
I am so thrilled with Marshall's desire to serve. What a commitment from these 19-year-old young men to put their life on hold for two years, pay their own way, go anywhere in the world they're asked to go, and preach the gospel they love with all of their hearts. I'm so pleased. I have no doubt that he will be blessed immensely throughout the remainder of his life for the service he will render to the wonderful people of Brazil. I love you Marshall!
Marshall has had some great examples along the way. He grew up hearing wonderful stories of his father's mission to Paris, France. Rich served for two years from 1976-1978. Marshall's older brother, Chris, served in Knoxville, Tennessee from 2002-2004. Marshall's brother-in-law, Joseph, served in Samoa. I have always loved this picture of Chris and Marshall. They didn't have too many matching pieces of clothing like the girls did, but I loved these shirts!
Marshall has a cousin-once-removed (that would be his cousin's son) named Perry Sessions. Perry recently received his mission call to New Zealand. Marshall and Perry's paths have crossed occasionally over the years. They've both been at BYU for their freshman year. Can't remember how long ago this was! But we're sure excited for Perry also. He leaves July 2nd.
A couple of years ago we were at the church museum in Independence, MO. There was a display showing all of the languages that the Book of Mormon has been printed in. Have you ever heard of a language called "Marshallese"? We thought that was great. I've often wondered where in the world they speak "Marshallese".
Thanks to Chris, Rich, Sarah, and I were able to see Marshall open his call, via a web cam. It was pretty chaotic, but definitely memorable. Here's a fine picture of the group right afterwards. Apparently there was some discussion as to whether my "known-to-be-very-emotional son" would possibly shed tears when he finally read the letter, but no, he was ALL smiles and very thrilled. We had all tried to guess where it was that he would go, but we were all pretty off the mark. Oh well, the possibilities were endless!
I am so thrilled with Marshall's desire to serve. What a commitment from these 19-year-old young men to put their life on hold for two years, pay their own way, go anywhere in the world they're asked to go, and preach the gospel they love with all of their hearts. I'm so pleased. I have no doubt that he will be blessed immensely throughout the remainder of his life for the service he will render to the wonderful people of Brazil. I love you Marshall! 
4 comments:
Congrats to all the Bowermans. It takes all of the family and a ward (your case wardS)to prepare a missionary. Laura has a family in her ward from the Marshall Islands--I wonder if they speak Marshallese there?
the marshall islands! too bad he didn't get called there....
So excited and happy for Marshall! He is such a very very special person, He was always so happy and had the best smile on the planet! I remember how he could build anything, he is so smart! He will bless the people in Brazil indeed, they are fortunate to have him there.
So very happy for you, you wonderful son, brother, friend to so many!!!
YES! We have a LARGE family in our ward from the Marshall Islands...and they DO speak Marshallese! They are such a facinating group of people! Even with not speak THAT language, we know he will be a good missionary! Yeah for Marshall! We are happy for your family!
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