ONE WEEK

One week from today, Sam will be gone on his mission! I can't believe it's already here! He's speaking on Sunday. Then he is getting set apart on Wednesday night (by my dad) and then Thursday morning at like 10:05, he will be on a plane to England!

Sam, I just want you to know how proud I am of you. You have been a great little brother and have always been such fun. Sure you have had your moments, just like everyone, but I've had fun watching you grow up. I could always count on you to update me on the score of a game, the stats on the Utes, or any sports fact from the past. I hope you will survive the next two years without a ball attached to you! Good luck and don't forget to focus and follow the counsel of your mission president. I know Cameron is going to miss you and so am I! I LOVE YOU SAM!!!

3 weeks and counting...

...until Sam will be in the MTC in ENGLAND!!! Wow! Here's Sam breaking in his new coat he got. Why is he so weird all the time? We're sure going to miss him!

Happy Birthday Sam

Here you are! Finally 19 and a little more than 5 weeks away from your mission! We as your family are all so proud of you and excited for you to be on a mission serving the Lord. We all love you and will miss you when you go! Here's a picture of you and your favorite nephew Cameron in St. George. He'll miss you when we go down there.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!!! Go get em!

Where are Sam's friends?

There are 7 boys Sam's age in his ward. They are all going on missions and it's great to see them serving at the same time, all within about 8 months. Go boys!!!

Chase Farrington - Riverside, California (Spanish)
Sam Rudd - Birmingham, England
Shane Harris - Vera Cruz, Mexico
CJ Pendley - Pusan, Korea
Josh Hawkes - Hartford, Connecticut (Spanish)
Greg Metcalf - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Garrett Jensen - Paris, France

Still here...

...and just waiting to go. He leaves in 6 1/2 weeks. He has all his suits, his luggage, he's turned in his visa and passport stuff and he's getting excited! Here are a few things he's done to pass the time.

He received his Duty to God award a few weeks ago. Way to go Sam!

He lost his brain and decided to go out and snowblow the snow in SHORTS!

Our family went to St. George this last weekend and are planning to go again in 3 weeks. He's got to get in all the golf he possibly can before he goes!

And he's going to have a birthday next week. We'll post more about that on that day!

Sam's Endowed

Sam had the opportunity to go to the temple today and receive his Own Endowment. It was a great experience. The session was at 8:00 a.m., so of course he was not too excited to get up that early! He went to the Salt Lake Temple and Grandma and Grandpa Lancaster were able to play the part of Adam and Eve. It was great to see Sam's face as he heard Grandpa's voice. It broke out in a big grin. The other cool thing about the session was that his cousin Chris was able to go through too. They were the only two own endowments on that session. He is also going on a mission. He's going to Guadalajara Mexico and leaves on March 12. He got his call the same day Sam did. These two guys have grown up great friends and it's awesome for them to be doing these things together! Also, mom went up in the prayer circle with Sam. And just for his sake, here's a list of those people that were there to support.

Dad & Mom
Jeff & Julie Pack
Cade & Tiffany Winegar
Grandpa & Grandma Lancaster
Mark & Marilyn Hulet
Scott Hulet
Bry & Susan Lancaster
Chris Lancaster
Grandpa & Grandma Rudd

Oh yeah, and he saw a friend in the celestial room. Melissa Stuart was waiting to go get married and had just gone through the veil. What a great day and an opportunity to be in the temple with family. We are so proud of you Sam!

Preston, England Temple

Pictures of the call

Here are some pictures of the day the call came.

My mom was so excited, she had to get a picture of the mailman putting it in the mailbox.

Here is Sam taking it out of the mailbox.

Looking good, Elder Rudd! Opening the envelope...family and friends waiting with anticipation!

Seeing where he's going! Sam with Cameron and Katie, his favorite nephew and niece ever!

Everyone had made their guesses and only one person said he would go to England. That was Cade. Dad said he wanted him to go there, but he really picked Brazil. HOORAY SAM!!!

The Call

Elder Samuel Charles Rudd has been called to serve in the ENGLAND, BIRMINGHAM mission. He will report to the Preston, England MTC on April 4, 2008. He is anxious to get to work and serve the Lord. We hope this blog will be a way to keep his family and friends updated throughout his service.