June 25, 2005
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“California! Here we come! On the stereo, listen as we go. Nothing’s gonna stop me now. California here we come. . .” (Phantom Planet).
I am a million emotions right now. Yesterday I expected my mission call to come, and I was right, it came. I was at work, and my dad called me. My whole family came to work and watched me open it. Read it. When I read Arcadia, California, a thousand thoughts raced through my mind. I don’t remember any of them.I spent the day making calls and telling people at work and being giddy and excited. Some people asked me what I would be doing. I think that I beat around the bush. I said that I would be helping the people there and teaching them. That is correct, but what I should have said is this: I will be offering people a life-changing opportunity.
There are so many people with so many different attitutes and needs and wants and hardships and trials. Some of them need to change, and I will be trying to convince them to do so. I will be trying to convince them to be better people. I will be persuading them to turn to God. I will be exhorting them to live the lifestyle I have chosen to live. Please don’t think that I am selfish or proud or self-righteous because of this. There are people out there who have known darkness. Some are abused. Some are caught in depression and low self-esteem. Some are tangled in pain and unhealthy living. Some are desperate for something to have faith in. If I can offer them a new lifestyle, one that will help them, then I will do it. If I can offer them something to believe in, then I will do it. I pray that I will find those people in California. I pray that I will be able to bring them a light they have lost or never known.
I am going to be a missionary in California for 2 years. I still can’t get over it.
Anyway, to celebrate this long-awaited news, we went to Walker Brothers with the fam, Grandma and Grandpa, Auntie, Dan, and Kelly (James’ girlfriend). Mmm. Pancakes. Then Collin came over and we bummed around the house and ultimately watched Charade with Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.
“I am certain now that I am vindicated. I am selfish; I am wrong. I am right, I swear I’m right, Swear I knew it all along. And I am flawed, but I am cleaning up so well. I am seeing in me now the things you swore you saw yourself” (Dashboard Confessional).
Comments (9)
I’m so happy for you Bro. Congrats
congratulations on your mission calling!
Q: I didn’t think you were allowed to use the internet on your mission?
AHHHHH! That’s so so so awesome! California…you don’t need shots to go to California! & I’m most likely going to be going to college in California, so those “woo, God” vibes I’ll be sending will have less of a distance to travel
! I’m oh-so-happy for you, babe!
Ah, awesome. You’ll do great out there, man.
Congradulations Dan! Ahhh!!! California. I live here. Weird. Arcadia is crowded though, I mean, with Disney Land and all, I have an Aunt who lives there. Hope you are doing well!
-Megan
yeah, going to an English speaking ward would probably be more helpful!!
I actually hadn’t even thought of going to a different one because ours is right upstairs and they’re the only people I know… that’s a good idea though! 
Congrats on the call Dan! When do you leave?
i called you back but you werent home. “little brian” answered the phone. lol remember when mary said that?
good times…
CONGRATS!!!!!!