Thank You

I couldn't leave this blog for 18 months without thanking everyone I love. Not all of them will read this blog, but at least I can record my gratitude for them. I have met so many amazing people this past year who have taught me the meaning of true friendship. They have helped me and supported me, listened when I needed someone to listen, discussed important things with me, and comforted me when I was going through hard times. I lived with and nearby so many people in Provo who truly cared about me, and showed me so through simple actions. They probably have no idea about all the times they said the right thing or did the right thing just when I needed it. They taught me what Christlike love is all about.

So to all of you who I have associated with, thank you. Thank you for truly caring and showing me what true friendship is. You probably have no idea how much you helped me.

Mission: Possible

It's almost time for me to leave for my mission. This has been a great summer: busy but great. I've been able to spend lots of time with family, relatives, and friends. Whether I was boating on Lake Washington with my family, jumping in the lake with cousins at a family reunion, or dancing the night away with friends, I enjoyed every minute of my summer in Seattle. Now my parents dropped the bomb that they will probably be moving while I'm on my mission. If all goes according to plan, I will be coming back to a new house when I return: not the house I've lived in for 20 years. Even so, I've learned countless times that it's not the places or the things that matter; it's the people you love. So onward I go to the MTC in Provo, knowing that those I love will be cheering for me.

As I pack up my room, ready my bags, and clean the house for my farewell festivities, many crazy things are happening. Firstly, I got sick, and they don't let you in the MTC if you're sick. Thank you to Heavenly Father, I am getting better. Secondly, I stepped on a rusty can. So if I don't die of swine flu, I will die of tetanus. In all seriousness, though, I am feeling great. A little nervous, yes; a little overwhelmed, yes; but a little excited, SI!

I'm ready to jump off the precipice and tackle this latest challenge. I know that I will not be able to do this by myself. Only through Christ can I have the strength and the ability to serve a full-time mission. So I'm counting on His help, because I definitely need it.