He Made It!

Elder Neal left for Thailand Monday morning. We were all so excited to talk to Keyen. He first called us around 6 AM and he was with a group of about 40 other missionaries heading to the airport. They took the Front-runner and TRAX to the airport so he called us while we was on the train.
He sounded different but in a good way. He sounds like a young man instead of my little brother. He said there is about 15 of them heading to Thailand, including a couple sister missionaries. He really likes everyone except for his companion haha. He said they are just "different" but he said he is a good guy just a little bit too up tight. He will be getting a new companion in Thailand that will be his trainer so that will be good. He said that he was very excited to finally get to Thailand, but really nervous because he didn't know what to expect. I know he will be just fine. He can bear his testimony in Thai which was so cool to hear. It blows my mind what he has accomplished in 2 months. It stands as a true testament to me that this church is true.
We got to talk to him till he got to the airport and then once he got through security he called us again. I'd say we got to talk to him for about 2 1/2 hours total. My mom, dad, grandma, Austin, Sadie and I all got to talk to him for a good amount of time. I mostly gave him the sports update and Austin and him talked pretty much about Top Gear. It was such a fun morning, all of us sitting around the phone eating breakfast talking to Keyen.
He boarded his plane around 830 AM and we all gave him a last good bye. I was so sad but proud that he made it through the MTC. His flight went to Portland where they changed planes and then headed to Tokyo. The flight was 11 hrs. My mom and I tracked his flight the whole way there haha. Once he got to Tokyo he had about a 3 hr layover and then headed off to Bangkok and landed at 11:15 PM Bangkok time. His travel time was about 32hrs. Wow!! But he made it!!
Now the real adventure begins and I couldn't be more proud and excited for my brother. I can't wait to hear about all his experiences as he shares Christ's messages to the people of Thailand. My brother has strengthened my testimony by his dedication to the Lord and his children.
I know this church is true. I know Keyen knows it too. I'm so grateful to him and the other thousands of missionaries around the world who will be sharing this truth.
We love you Elder Neal! Be safe and stay strong! Can't wait for what is to come.

Also...Here are some pictures of his teachers and other missionaries in his district.