Thomas Receives Mission Assignment in the Timeframe of 6-22-25!
In the heart of summer, an unspecified location played host to a unique blend of fun, learning, and spiritual growth. The Aaronic Priesthood camp, a gathering of young men, witnessed a series of memorable moments that brought together laughter, camaraderie, and a profound spiritual experience.
The highlight of the camp was the mission call opening ceremony for Thomas, who received his call to serve as a Mormon missionary. The moment, filled with anticipation, guidance, and a strong sense of divine direction, was a pivotal one in Thomas's spiritual journey. As he opened his call in front of the camp kids and family members via FaceTime, a palpable sense of excitement and reverence filled the air.
Thomas's mission call is a spiritual experience, as it is the Lord Jesus Christ who calls him to be a missionary. This moment, marked by a deep spiritual connection, is believed to be testified by the Holy Spirit, or "the Spirit," confirming the correctness of the mission call. Thomas felt comforted, inspired, and affirmed that his path is divinely appointed, a conviction that strengthened his faith and commitment to the gospel work ahead.
During their downtime, the campers engaged in a variety of activities. They roasted pieces of cheese and beef sticks over a fire during their doll play, using a blue slack line as a water slide into the river, and even rode virtual llamas and alpacas (silkies) in their doll adventures. The evenings were spent working on the mud kitchen together, painting the wood stove burners black and attaching the griddle.
The camp also marked the 5th summer of the garden at the location. Pictures of the garden in June 2025 are provided, showcasing its growth and potential improvements. Andy, Tilly, and the author spent extra time together, with Tilly and Andy helping with the garden, chickens, and other chores.
The camp was not just about fun and games, though. Kaitlyn and Makenna left for their girls camp on Wednesday, and a photo shoot of Tilly wearing her baptism dress was done. The campers also found time to play card games like Old Maid.
An unexpected excitement came when a free e-bike was received as a result of a YouTube video collaboration. The e-bike, described as a fun and easy-to-maintain toy that does not require gas, was a hit among the campers. However, its assembly took the whole afternoon due to less-than-ideal instructions.
Despite the challenges, the Aaronic Priesthood camp was a summer of adventure, growth, and spiritual milestones. The campers returned home with memories they would cherish, lessons they would carry, and a renewed sense of faith and purpose. For Thomas, the journey to his mission had begun, a testament to the transformative power of spiritual experiences.
[1] "The Spiritual Experience of Opening a Mission Call" (n.d.). Retrieved from [link] [2] "Understanding the Spiritual Significance of a Mission Call" (n.d.). Retrieved from [link] [4] "Personal Revelation and the Mission Call" (n.d.). Retrieved from [link]
During their free time at the camp, the campers not only enjoyed fun activities such as roasting food, using a blue slack line as a water slide, and playing card games, but also delved into fashion and beauty, with Tilly posing for a photo shoot wearing her baptism dress. Moreover, the campers were captivated by the arrival of a free e-bike, an efficient and eco-friendly addition to their summer lifestyle. In the heart of the garden at the location, the fifth summer grew, offering potential improvements for future seasons, while the authors, Andy, and Tilly tended to the garden, chickens, and other chores, embodying a harmonious blend of home, garden, and lifestyle.
