American Idol Season 7 runner-up David Archuleta said an emotional farewell to fans as he set off his two-year journey as a Mormon missionary.

“It’s been a very emotional last week,” Archuleta said, recounting days spent with family and friends. He is leaving soon for Utah to prepare himself at the Mormon Missionary Training Center. He is then leaving for South America for two years to serve in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Given the unusual hiatus, Archuleta tells fans, “I hope you guys respect that and you guys have, so I appreciate that.”

Luckily, the fans don’t have to wait for two years to listen to his upcoming album. “I hope you will enjoy the new music that will be coming out, that we’ve worked hard on.”

He ended the video with an emotional farewell, “I’ll see you all in two years. God Bless, take care.”