The catholics break a champagne bottle on ships when they first take off. I think that would cause some problems if I tried it on my little brother...

Mark takes off in two, count 'em -two-, days for the Provo MTC. I'm sure that right now he's asking himself a mix of, "Why can't I just go already??" and, "What... am... I doing?" When you are about to leave on your mission, you get this sudden, knee-jerking realization that your life has been a thousand times better than you ever gave it credit for. I'm sure Mark has it now. You don't know what's coming, no matter how much the older brother, the bishop, or that guy in your ward that likes to come put his hand on your shoulder after sacrament; squeeze; and say, 'Well, son, you are going to make a fine missionary,' have ever told you about it. Soon, you're at the airport. Your eyes get just about as wide as they can. You get on the plane and suddenly everyone around seems different. The change isn't them. It's you.
You stop to consider yourself. You're wearing the suit. Your shoes will have the shine. But, suddenly, you're a boy in a war. For a moment, you seriously wonder if the change and your preparation have been enough. There is no way to go back and start over if it's not. Your head sinks and you pray -sincerely. Moments move past you. Peace settles in. It will be okay.
Then, faster than should ever be allowed, your two years are gone. Suddenly, you are sitting on another plane. This time, you're crying your eyes out. Images of people you've loved and cities you slaved over are flashing at you behind your eyes. That same suit is on you. It's worn to some kind of brown around your shoulders. Threads stick out at some of the seams now. Your shoes have holes, but you've kept them shiny, just like your mission president asked you to. Your change is enough for what's ahead. You're sure of it this time. You know your master. You gave it all over to Him. You've realized something, though. Here at the end, you hadn't sacrificed anything at all. You come back a richer man, regardless of what you gave up.

Mark, I love you. What you're doing is right. Who you are is enough. You really will do great, even though you won't feel like it sometimes. Your mission will be an absolute masterpiece. I'm excited for who you'll be and all of what you will do. Remember that you have a lot of fans at home who will love you and believe in you through every moment. I'll miss our camping trips and shooting sessions in the desert, but those can wait. You are doing something better.

I love you Elder!

Your Older Brother

Testing!

So, I know that blogs might not be the first thing on your Manliness list, but I'm doing it anyway. Writing is pretty much an addiction for me. Being in college is just waking up the big writer-beast inside me. I don't know how endless days of teachers with tucked in shirts and comb-overs talking to me about John Milton and compound interest can bring back my crave to think deeper and speak, but they have.
So, being up at Byu-Idaho has opened up a door. I'm going write my scattered, fun-smeared and laughter-filled life in this blog.