Elder JARED GARRICK!

Jared got his mission call today. He had to wait to open it up until 8:30 because he had a test at school. A bunch of his friends got their calls tonight to England, Brazil, and Russia. So we were really hoping it was someplace cool. It seemed like forever for him to get home. Then we had to wait for everyone else to get there. Then everyone had to put their predictions on the map. And then he finally opened the call..."You have been called to serve in the INDIA BANGALORE Mission." What on earth! It was so fun to watch him open it. He was in total shock, and I have never seen him so excited. Everyone was screaming, and of course my mom was crying. No one could believe it! What an awesome place to go. I don't think India has even been open that long for missionaries that aren't Indian. So no one thought that was an option. He is so stinking excited, and we are so excited for him. He leaves on August 12, which means he will definitely get to meet our little girls before he leaves, and I definitely won't be in the middle of labor when he leaves for the MTC. Phew!
So here is the totally crazy story about all of this. My dad's best friend since like Kindergarten Tom, and his wife Debbie adopted two boys from East India years ago. Rajan (Jano) is about two years older than Jared. When Jano was getting ready to turn 19, he was called in by one of the General authorities to meet with him. He told him he was needed in India, and that is where he would be serving his mission. And that's where he has been. He has been sending a lot of emails about his experiences, and Tom and Debbie always forward the emails onto my parents so they and Jared can read them. In one of the last emails Jano sent, he said, "Jared, you better get on your knees and pray that they send you to the India Bangalore Mission." And what do you know? I don't believe in coincidences, just fate. Heavenly Father knows that is where Jared needs to be. We don't know much right now except that there are only about 60 missionaries in India. I definitely need to do my research now.
Fatty, we are so excited for you. We know this is where the Lord wants you to be, and we know you are going to be an excellent missionary. You are going for all the right reasons, and we have never ever had to question your character or your decisions. I'm sure you can't wait to leave, but we're sure glad we have a few more months with you! Love ya dude.