The Beginning...and stuff

So Elder Bruce J Niendorf first recieved his mission call back in May of 2009. We had been on the lookout for it for a while but for some reason, we had missed it on Saturday the 23rd. Just for kicks, the boys checked the mail on Memorial Day and lo and behold, there it was. So on May 25th 2009 Bruce opened up his mission call with the family and the sister missionaries. When Bruce read that he was going to serve in Panama City, Mom wasnt as excited as some would expect :)

So then we began making those phone calls to family and friends and it became more and more real. Crazy...I don't think anyone guessed or expected him to get called to that country.

Over the several months of waiting, Bruce began learning more about the country he was going to spend two whole years of his life working in. He dedicated himself to learning more of the Spanish language and becoming more familiar with the lessons and principles he would be teaching the Panamanian people.

Bruce entered the MTC in Provo, Utah on October 28th 2009. He then spent three weeks studying with other new missionaries who would be serving Spanish-speaking missions.

On November 17th Bruce left for Panama! It was so crazy that he was already entering the field so soon.

I am Bruce's older sister (only sister despite what Bruce might argue :). My name is Erika Marie and I decided it might be a good idea to keep a sort of record for Bruce, as well as a fast, easy way for people who want to know more about his mission and keep everyone updated on his progress and experiences. Hopefully I will be good at keeping up with this blog and making sure that I am able to express his thoughts and comments accurately.

I just want everyone to know how proud I am of my little brother and how much I love him. He is a pretty awesome guy and those who get the chance to know him are very lucky people indeed :)

K, enough out of me...lets just enjoy Bruce's Panamanian adventures and progress over these next couple of years and hopefully give him something he can use to look back on someday.

THANKS FOR READING ABOUT AND SUPPORTING BRUCE!!!