The Last Day

Wow. Today is Valentines Day. Do you know what this means? I'm reporting to the MTC tomorrow.

Oh. my. gosh.

Am I ready? Pretty much. I'm packed....with the exception of a few things that are still in the wash. Am I excited? Yes. Am I scared? Completely. Am I nervous? More nervous than I've ever been in my entire life. To be honest, I've felt sick the entire day.....it's the same feeling I had when I was about to open my call.

I'm being set apart as a missionary tonight at 7:20 by my home Stake President.

I'm at a loss for words. This is the most daunting, most intimidating, and biggest leap of faith I have ever taken. I know He is there and I know that He will be there to catch me....but at times, I feel like I don't see him. This is when I put all of my faith, trust, and energy into doing something I know is way bigger than myself. When I fall, he will immediately be there to catch me. It's that initial jump that is so terrifying.

As I've pondered on what I expect from my mission, I cannot help but feel like these next 18 months are going to mold, shape, and define who I am. Not only will I have the opportunity to bring people to Christ, but I know that I will learn and develop in ways that will significantly impact me, my future husband and family, and bless my posterity throughout all eternity.

Please pray for me.

One Week Left

I cannot believe that I only have one week left before I enter the MTC. 1 week! That's like...7 days! :) I'm full of all sorts of emotions.....and they mix together, bubble inside of me, and are apparently making my lacrimal glands hyperproductive. Translation? I cry a lot. BUT they're usually happy cries! These random spurts of emotion usually last between 25-60 seconds each....just enough to get my cheeks a little damp. :)

I'm feeling all sorts of things. Here's a brief list:

1. Inadequacy, fear, and overwhelming-ness. Let's be real, Satan does not want me anywhere near Indiana and he works triple time to pull me down and make me feel inadequate. Fortunately, our Father in Heaven and Savior work quadruple time to lift me up, remind me why I'm going on a mission, and fill my heart with love and  peace. 

2. Love. Like I just mentioned, I have been filled with love. Not only for my Savior, but for this gospel and the amazing people of Indiana! I don't know them yet, but I know I'll love them....and hopefully (cross your fingers!) they'll love me back. :) 

3. Indecisiveness. Which 2 of my 8 cardigans do I take? I don't know! Why do I have to choose?!? I sure don't pay a lot for my clothes, but that doesn't mean I don't love them! Oh the joys of being a girl....

4. The Holy Ghost. He's like....with me all the time. ;)

5. Excitement. Holy smokes, I can't believe I'm only a week away. I know this is going to be the hardest thing I've ever done, but I'm so excited to start this new journey! I know that my Savior will be with me every step of the way. He'll be walking right beside me (Moses 6).

A few other thoughts:
The temple is truly amazing. Since going through the temple a couple weeks ago, I have started to recognize the blessings that do come through attending the temple. I've gone back multiple times and am slowly learning and understanding. I know that I will not come to a perfect knowledge of the things that we are supposed to learn in the temple. Why do I say this? Because President McKay, in a meeting with the Quorum of the 12 Apostles, said that after going to the temple hundreds of times during his lifetime and 40+ years as an apostle, he was just beginning to understand the Endowment. Suddenly, I don't feel so stupid. :) What a blessing to know that we always have something else to learn. And, lucky for us, we don't have to know EVERYTHING. We just have to be doing our best and never settle! As long as we are living, we ought to be learning.

My Farewell

I gave my farewell talk on January 29 in my home ward. It was so wonderful to see so many familiar faces - many of which have had a significant impact on who I am and who I have grown to be. There were too many people there to specifically mention, but many young women's teachers, advisers, Sunday school teachers, etc were all there. I love them all! :) Also, the Donaldson clan was there in full force - as they always are. The George Chudleigh family also came down from Idaho Falls for my farewell. It meant the world to me that they were there. After I gave my talk, my Timpview Colorguard girls sang one of my favorite church songs. It's called, "The Olive Tree." If you haven't heard it, look it up! They sounded like angels. AND it was a complete surprise! I had no idea that they were planning on singing! :) As much as I'd like to take credit for teaching them how to sing, I'd be lying. The luncheon went really well! It was so great to be able to talk to so many family and friends. Thank you everyone for coming out! I hope you enjoyed the food and chatting/flirting. Apparently my farewell was the reason for a few dates between relatives and friends....I guess I should have farewells more often. Way to flirt, guys! :) Score. :)

Here's a picture of me with many of my guard girls after sacrament meeting. Aren't they precious?!? I love them. :)