SISTER CARIBBEAN: Jan 29, 2013 Being Set Apart

Emily and her family went to the stake president's office so that she could be officially "set apart" as a full time missionary. Her mission is a special time for her to turn from the usual cares and concerns of the world, and focus her energy on serving the people within the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission. Her stake president invited her two uncles and older brother to join him in placing their hands on her head and then, President Ferrin prayerfully set her apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and pronounced a blessing on her which was specific and unique to her and the mission she will serve. The blessing was full of advice and love, and will help guide her in the days and months ahead.

Emily put on her new name tag just prior to the setting apart. From now on, she will live the missionary rules, designed to help her keep her focus on the service she has chosen to give. In keeping with the dignity of her new calling, she will be referred to by the title of "Sister Bean" or, since she is going to islands where Spanish is spoken, "Hermana Bean." And for those of us who have known her all her life, we might sometimes refer to her as "Hermana Emily"--something a little more familiar--as she is daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend.

We know that the transition may be hard. We know that she will experience challenges and sometimes rejection, but also great joy. We support her righteous desire to serve God in this way for the next 18 months. Upon her return she will re-enter the typical life of a young adult pursuing her life interests: college degree, singing career and family. In the meantime, Numbers 6: 24-26 comes to mind: The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

Here are some pictures taken just after her setting apart: