The Call....

On July 7, 2010 Ryan received his call.

After a long wait from when he received it, (okay just a half hour later) the whole family was together to open the call. We had Elisa and Melissa both on the phone and webcam. With all of our guesses locked in, he began to open the envelope.

GHANA CAPE COAST, AFRICA!!!!!!!

We were shocked and very excited, but Ryan was so excited and knew this call was from the Lord.

October felt like it was just around the corner. Before we knew it, it was time for Ryan's Farewell. Sorry...Opportunity to share his testimony in Sacrament meeting.

Ryan did an awesome job. He is ready for his mission. The Spirit was so strong in the meeting. He will be a fabulous missionary!!!!

Then Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2010 came. It was the day for Ryan to become an official missionary. We all gathered together for his setting apart. We had Mom, Dad, Jason, Jenny, Vance, Guelito, Guelita, Cha Cha, President Ostler, President Larsen, Bishop Bowen, Bishop Monson, and of course Ryan. We had a great testimony meeting before his setting apart. President Ostler set him apart as a Missionary and Representative for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Elder Alba received a beautiful blessing and was blessed with many promises if he remind faithful, listened to the Spirit, and obey the mission rules. Elder Alba then went over to Mom to receive his name tag. It was so cute and so special. After the stake and ward leaders left, Elder Alba asked Guelito and Dad to give him a blessing. It was a very sweet and tender moment.

It was the next day. The big day had arrived. It was time (6 am) for Elder Alba to go to the airport, travel to Ghana, and report to the MTC in Ghana.

We ran into some problems with his luggage (being overweight), but it was easily fixed.

He had his ticket, bags were ready, and we were at security check point. A few tears were shed, but Elder Alba was ready to go and fly.

That day was a long day. Flying to JFK (6 hrs) then flying to Ghana (11 hrs). Elder Alba arrived around one in the morning our time. (They are six hours a head of us.) He called Mom and Dad around 7:30 am to let them know he had made it. When he got to the MTC, he met with the MTC president (who is one of his friend's grandparents) and was made a District Leader over 11 other missionaries. He was so excited and willing to serve. His companion is from Kenya, but he missed his flight and wouldn't be there until Saturday. Mom and Dad said he sounded so excited and ready to teach and preach.

We are so excited for Elder Alba. He will be a great missionary. We will keep you updated and post things when we hear from him.

Love you!!!