Arrival in Las Vegas (September 20, 2005)

    The trip to Las Vegas was great, as there were very few people on the plane and we could just lay out in the middle aisles.  So, it went quick.  We landed in Las Vegas and Brad said: “It’s beautiful!”  (It really isn’t, especially compared to the Philippines, but we knew what he meant - it is home.)  As we made our way to customs, I got chastised by security for videotaping our trip - so I had to shut it off.  As we made our way, a young Filipino mother with a young child was struggling to get herself, her child and her bags onto the escalator.  She asked for some help, and Brad jumped into action.  He engaged her in Tagalog, and she was very happy for his assistance.  As Brad carried her bag, he spoke with her in Tagalog and her eyes lit up.  She was surprised at how well he spoke the language, and Brad explained what he had been doing for the past two years.  She lives in Las Vegas presently, but also has family and owns a home in San Fernando - Pampanga, where Brad served.  I wanted to get information from her (at least an e-mail - I mean, come on) and invite her to our home this weekend.  But, things were just too hectic.  After standing in several lines, and showing our passports numerous times, we exited the airport terminal to a waiting family.  David, Kelli and Jordan were holding a long banner that said: “Welcome Home Brad!”  Brad was pushing the luggage on a cart, and got a running start, then rode the cart through the banner.  It didn’t break.  He wanted a “redo” but we never got around to it.  Grandma Royal was there taking pictures, and he also got in trouble by security for taking pictures in the airport (like father, like son).  Brad gave a round of hugs to everyone, Mom, Dad, Gladys, Aunt Chris, Lisa, Kimmie, Jason and the rest of the family.  It was very cool.  We let Kelli drive Brad home from the airport.  We could only get two in the van after filling it with all the luggage.  David immediately noted that he is “at least an inch taller than Brad - that’s so cool!”  (Being taller than someone has always been important to David.  When he first entered the hospital room in Carson City after Jordan was born, David said: “Hey, I’m bigger!”  So, we expect this kind of trash talk from David.)  When we got home, I called President Turner and we prepared to take Brad to be released.  Maralea said we needed to dress up, so I hurried to get ready.  Before leaving, we read the scriptures together as a family for the first time in over two years.  Brad read some verses in Tagalog, and David asked: “Does each word require like a whole sentence?”  Brad offered family prayer in Tagalog and then we once again unitedly put our hands in the middle for the Royal cheer: “Go forth to serve well.  Return with honor!”  That cheer never had so much meaning as it did on this evening.  What a great event.  We all accompanied Brad to the church where he was released, and signed the plates of Lehi which he signed over three years ago at Scout camp as part of a promise to serve a mission.  Mission accomplished.

Brad - home at last.  His little brother Jordan (right of the photo) was much shorter then.  Jordan has since grown to 6'2" and entered the MTC to return the Philippines Angeles Mission on September 28, 2011 to pick up where Brad left off.  Kelli is to the left of Brad, and David in the red shirt further left.  (Kelli made this beautiful banner!)

    We’re worn out, but not enough to say no to Taco Bell - Kelli’s treat.  (She feels so independent now.  I said: “All I’ve got in cash is pesos.”  Kelli said: “I’ve got lots of money.  Come on, let’s go.”)  Kelli picked up on some of Brad’s non-verbal communication.  (“Hey, when you do that with your eyebrows, that means yes, right?”)  It was fun having dinner together - even if it was fast food.  We’ll take it.

Brad committed to serving a mission long before 2002; however, it was memorialized here on these plates from the 2002 Young Men's Encampment.  We had him sign/date the plates when he departed and upon his return.

Brad was released by Pres. Mark Turner.  It is a difficult/emotional thing to remove that black name tag.  Best two words to describe this moment: MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

    Well, that brings our family Philippines adventure to an end . . . told from the eyes of Elder Royal’s father.  I know Brad (and we can call him Brad now) will have some things to write later.  I apologize for all the writing, but once I start something I have difficulty stopping until it’s completed.  (I know there must be some kind of mental disorder associated with that.)  Thanks for your indulgence.  I feel like I know each of you so well - having delivered messages to you regularly for the past two years.  Stay in touch.  We love hearing from our friends.