Set apart

One of the things that sets The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is our belief that we have priesthood authority from God. Priesthood is God's power on earth, and when someone has the proper authority to use it, he can do amazing things. Every time an ordinance is performed, such as a baptism, confirmation, temple endowment, or temple marriage, it is done through the holy priesthood of God. The priesthood is also used to bless the sacrament each week; dedicate sacred buildings; bless individuals with health, strength or comfort (upon request); and to "set apart" people with callings. Whenever a member of the Church accepts a calling, say for example, as a family history specialist or a full-time missionary, they are given a blessing conferring on them the keys and authority to perform that calling.

My brother and I were set apart by the stake president of our home stake about six hours ago, which makes us official. Soon we'll be on our way to the Mexico Missionary Training Center, ready to begin our six-week missionary boot camp of full-time Spanish and gospel study.

I am so excited! I'm ready to go to work. From this moment forward, my mom will take over my blog, and the next post she publishes will be from Mexico City!

(pictures added by Mom)

 It was nice our whole family could be there with Jessica's Grandma and Grandpa Anderson and our exchange student, Ai.

President Lefler set Jessica apart with the help of her Dad, a stake clerk, Graigry, and Grandpa Anderson.

Walking home from the stake center.