watermelon in winter

So before I put up my usual thought of the day for the countdown, I just wanted to write a little bit about lately. I'min between wards right now, as I spoke in my home ward this morning  and I'm going to my singles ward to speak there this afternoon. I've seen a lot of people dear to me recently, because last night I had a party so I could see lots of people.  Last night was tons of fun.  Definitely a good way to end pre-mission life!  Let's just say I'm going out with a bang....hahahaha.  Anyway, I've been thinking. There are so many of you (both who read this and don't) who have touched my life.  I am the person I am because of each and every one of you. I'm so blessed to have such good examples in my life and such wonderful family. I say family, because my friends are my family.  I have extended family...everywhere.  I have such a big family, and it is wonderful!  You are all wonderful people, and while I look forward to serving in Brazil...

One time, I was on the train to Georgia to visit the Hunsakers, and I had an extra copy of the Book of Mormon. The train was ridiculously crowded, so in Philly, a guy came and sat next to me, and he wanted to talk.  At first, I just wanted to be left alone, but as we talked, I started talking about the gospel, and he kept asking me questions about how he could change his life, and about where he could go to church when he starts his life over in Atlanta.    To make a long conversation short, I offered him my Book of Mormon, and he took it, and we kept talking about it for a while longer. It was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had as far as missionary work goes, because he was a complete stranger.  I don't even remember his name.  Hah, he asked for my number...I didn't give it to him...but it was still cool to be able to share something so important to me with another person who may or may not have been looking for it.  Just helped me realize furt...

I know, I know, it's technically the 27th now.  But I'm still awake from the 26th, so in my mind, it's still 5 days. High school.  I had the opportunity to go to a Catholic girls high school, where I was the only member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As I got older, I became known as "the Mormon."  And I loved this title!  I had the opportunity at least once every single day to talk about the gospel, or about why I am who I am, or about the things I do and don't do.  It was where my missionary opportunities began, and where I really gained the desire to share the gospel with everyone I know.

So here's the story.  Up until yesterday, I was at the point where I really didn't know where I'd be going next week.  Back when I got my mission call (over 4 months ago!), I also got an itinerary that was sending me straight to Brazil. I was to fly out of Logan Airport at 2pm on March 2, and arrive in Sao Paulo at 8am on March 3.  The tickets were bought, my call letter said I'd attend the MTC in Sao Paulo.  So that was the plan.  I filled out the visa application and all that, and then it was just a waiting game. I waited. And waited. And still waited some more. And I'm still waiting. My visa is still in process, and has been for a few months, and I honestly don't know when I'll get it.  Brazil is cool and all, but the consulate is a little disorganized from what I've heard.  Plus they get hundreds of these applications from the Church each month.  So for the past few weeks, I've been watching the mail waiting for my visa.  Last w...

James Yeah, you read that right.  James went on a mission.  He was the first in our entire family to serve a mission, and what an example it was to me!  Lots of people poo-poo the Provo mission, but James worked hard.  I got to see him as a missionary a couple of times, because I went to school in Provo, and there is no doubt that he worked hard.  He changed people's lives.  I saw firsthand how effort and a willingness to serve can really change a person, and that person can then change so many others!

Down to one week now.  In all honesty, I literally don't know where I will be a week from now.  Could be Utah, could be on the way to Sao Paulo. Guess I'll find out in 3 days. Today's focus: Preach My Gospel. I remember when this book came out, and I remember the discussions before it, because that was how I was taught.  And my mother and father and brothers.  I didn't pay much attention to it at first, but then a few years ago, I acquired my own copy and began studying it.  As I studied and learned, I gained a greater desire to serve a mission and share the gospel with others.  There's not much else to say.  I've studied this book cover to cover, and it is a partial influence on my decision to go on a mission.

Missionaries.  It may seem obvious that they would have influenced my decision to go on a mission.  But missionaries have been a big part of my life since I was like 5.  The Elders taught  my mom at first, and then we had some Sisters who came and taught her.  I was baptized 6ish years after her, so we had a lot of missionaries in our home in that time.  When I started going to church when I was 5, I wouldn't go to primary without one of the missionaries coming with me.  As I got older, I understood more who the missionaries are and what they do. Even now, we still have the missionaries over a lot, and even back at school I knew a bunch of missionaries through James. I have looked up to these people for years.  Many years.  Anyone willing to give up 2 years or 18 months of their life has always been interesting to me.  Interesting in a good way.  So I guess my point is...missionaries have influenced me to be a missionary, just by ...