I Suck At Blogging, But My Brother Is A Missionary...

My baby brother is going on a mission!

MY baby brother IS going on a mission!

My BABY brother is GOING on a mission!

My baby BROTHER is going on a MISSION!

MY BABY BROTHER IS GOING ON A MISSION!!!

I cannot wrap my brain around this concept of my little brother, venturing off into the world (or Nashville, Tennessee to be exact). I remember when he was a baby! And now he is going to be going on a mission for two years. A MISSIONARY. My brother. I am so unbelievably proud of him. Its an extraordinarily selfless act to dedicate your life to the service of others for 2 years. He's going to come back a changed person. He will have experiences that will stay with him throughout his life. He will be a better man because of it. He will be a better husband. He will be a better father. As the oldest, I realize that I am the one who should be setting the example for my younger siblings. And yet, my little brother and little sister set the example for me. I cannot wait to see how he matures and grows during the two years that he'll be serving the Lord, and I am so excited for him. This year has been the most profound year of my life, for so many reasons. So much change has occurred, and I have learned SO much. I can honestly say that I have experienced the highest and lowest moments of my life thus far, this year. Lots of love, joy, and happiness that would not be appreciated half as much as they are if not for the heartache, tears, and sorrow. But I have to say, I wouldn't trade the pain for what I've learned. Seriously, so blessed. I have the BEST family, and was blessed to see that family grow with the addition of my sister in law and nephew. I have a job that I don't despise, and coworkers who make it easy and enjoyable to go to work. I have friends who are so supportive and giving and loving. I have been blessed with experiences and feelings and emotions that I have never felt before. I've found new people, new loves, new passions. I became closer to some of family members and those relationships have become so important to me.

Blessed. Blessed. Blessed.

And I don't deserve it.

"No Regrets,

No Expectations"