First Email!

First email sent July 29, 2015...

Hey mom I landed safely and things are well, the MTC or CCM as they call it is good. My companion is Elder Whimpey he is a big football Jock. I have met a lot of cool kids im still trying to get used to all this but all is well. My P days are tuesdays so I will talk to you then! Love you 

                                                               Elder De Santis

Williams first MTC companion, Elder Riley Whimpey

Departing to the Mexico City Missionary Training Center

On July 29, 2015, Elder DeSantis departed from the Salt Lake City airport to arrive at the Missionary Training Center in Mexico City.

Heading off to the airport

Elder DeSantis and Adriane Gatrell

Katie Cassity, Elder DeSantis and Annie Hicks

Katie Cassity, Elder DeSantis and Christopher Cassity

Edwin Watts, Holland Watts, Adair Watts, Maggie Watts, Elder DeSantis, Elsie Watts and Charlie Watts

Holly DeSantis, Elder DeSantis and Dave DeSantis

Annie Hicks, Adriane Gatrell, Elder DeSantis, Adair Watts and Katie Cassity

Holly Gatrell, Adriane Gatrell, Gordon Gatrell, Elder DeSantis, Enzo Gatrell and Tory Gatrell

Elder DeSantis paving the way for the Watts boys

Proud Dad

This little guy will be 2 when he gets home.

Peace out, see ya in 2

Setting apart as a Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

On July 28, 2015 President Alan B.Tingey (Stake President), along with President Richard Matheson and President Clayton Williams from the stake presidency and Lynn Young from the bishopric (Bishop David Webb was out of town) came over to Hugh and Carol Hogle's home to set William apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Along with President Tingey in the circle were President Matheson, President Williams, Brother Young, Dave DeSantis, Jordan Hicks, and Christopher Cassity.  Before the setting apart President Tingey invited all that were there to share any thoughts and feelings with William before he left.  The spirit was very strong in that home that night.

Mission Farewell Open House-July19, 2015

Elder DeSantis with his sisters Katie, Adair, Adriane, and Annie.  Not complete without our Lizzy in Seattle

Taylor Macey, Madeline Macey and Hannah Bezdjian

Joshua Hicks, Jordan Hicks and Annie Hicks

Vickie Anderson and William DeSantis.  Vickie has been so sweet to photograph many of  Williams important events.  Thanks so much Vickie!

cake purchased by Vickie Anderson

Pam and Roger Baker, Millie and Mari Mason and Elsie Watts

Johnsen Family: Caleb, Esther, Sarah, Jerusha, Jemima and Jeremiah

Atkinson Family 

CoCo Hicks 

Colton and Kelly Lambert

Lee and Tammy Cassity, Katie, and Chris Cassity 

Roger, Pam and Amy Baker, Mari Baker, Emerson Purser, Maggie and Elsie Watts, and Jerusha Johnsen

Johnsen Family: Jeremiah, Caleb, Job, Esther, Abigail and Jared

Joe Reynolds

Jade Mulvey, Sheldon Martineau, James Garbett, Thomas Garbett and Mitch Clayton

Elsie Watts with uncle William

Holly Gatrell, William DeSantis and Annie Hicks

Annie Hicks and William DeSantis

Thomas Garbett and William DeSantis

William DeSantis and Bridger Hansen

Mitch World, Bridger Hansen, William DeSantis, Adam Metcalf, Connor Dearden, and Colton Smart

Brooke, Georgia, Henry, Patrick, Hollister and Holden Hogle with William DeSanatis

The Call!

The mission call arrived on Thursday, April 16.  Grandma Holly waited by the mailbox for hours until she saw the most beautiful sight! That night, friends, ward members and family came to watch as William opened the letter.