My brother went into the MTC on July 8th of this year. It was by far one of the hardest things that I had ever had to do. Four minutes never seemed to go by so fast. And afterwords they had the gall to tell us to have a good day. Way to put salt in the wound MTC!
After 6 long weeks he made it to the mission field of Jacksonville, Florida. I still find it hard to think that he is teaching people in the Spanish language.
I am glad to be able to keep correspondence with him through letters and emails, though I have to admit it is still hard not to speak directly with him. He and I are really close as brothers and to be so far from him has not been easy. But I know that he is where he needs to be and that he is doing the things that he is meant to do. He and I had the opportunity to do seminary together his senior year and my freshman year and I had no doubt in my mind that he was going to be a great missionary.
I realize that there is a lot of things that we are not going to be able to do together for the next couple of years. This fall brought the first time that he had not seen a show that I am in. He will not be here for the publication of my first book, though he continues to support me unfailingly through email and letters. He and I spent a lot of time together and I know that I will have to wait two years before we can pick up where we left off.
I find peace in knowing that it is not "goodbye", just "see you later." After all, he is going out to ensure that there are no goodbyes. We are able to be together for eternity. He is going out to give that gift to others.
I couldn't be prouder of my brother. He is the example of what a follower of Christ should be. A real man "like unto Moroni". He was always there to help me and is still there when I need him. He encourages me to keep improving and keep praying. He lets me know that when I am in need, the Lord is there just one prayer away.
He is an example to so many people. As I walked into seminary for the first time last year, I knew I was going to be "Avery's little brother." (In fact, my nickname for a while was "Li'l Avery.") I knew when I said that I was a Winter that my name would be associated with my brother's. And I couldn't be more proud to be Avery's little brother.
My brother heeded the call. He put on that black badge and went forth to do the Father's will, saying "Not my will, but Thy will be done." He is going to harvest the field and bring the Father's children home.
They say that thousands of missionaries go out a year, but what if we were to say thousands of sons, brothers, daughters, and sisters. Every missionary that goes out there is some body's family. They are soldiers in a war already won, like Helaman's Stripling Warriors. They do not doubt that if they have faith, and trust in God, that they will be prosperous. They will face adversity, the buffetings of the adversary will be all around them, always trying to drag them down. But they are surrounded on all sides by angels. Though two missionaries is all you may see, there are several angels standing around them, armed with swords and shields.
There is no greater cause for which the families will let their loved ones go than to do Heavenly Father's will. Missionary moms are among the most faithful and brave of the Lord's followers for letting their sons and daughters leave for 2 years. The fathers of these missionaries are strong, holding their head up, though on the inside they are torn between sadness and joy.
I hear about all of these crazy, funny, and inspiring stories of things that my brother has done. Like putting another elder's name-badge in jello. Or changing their ipad settings to Chinese. But also the strength and faith of the people they teach. The inspired meetings that to the investigators seem like "coincidence", or "fate", or even "luck".
I know that my brother is doing amazing things in Jacksonville, Florida. I know that he is a modern Stripling Warrior. He is where he needs to be. He will always be one of my heroes. And I couldn't be more proud of him.
