Mission Farewell and Setting Apart

My mission farewell was Sunday, June 11th. I had the opportunity to speak in church and my topic was around the idea that there is safety and happiness found in keeping the commandments. It was a great experience. The stake president was in attendance and I got to meet with him afterwards, as I had not met him before.

So many people had so many kind things to say. I felt so loved and I appreciated every bit of the heartfelt encouragement and love offered. It was such a blessing to have my family and friends there supporting me.

My best friend, Rachael, was able to fly in from Spokane on Sunday morning. She attended church with us to hear me speak. She a constant support and didn't leave my side. Everything was so overwhelming, it was such a blessing to have her there.

We held an open house that evening, dubbing it a "Sweet Send-off" and my mom made endless amounts of treats. It was wonderful to spend the evening chatting with people and being able to say goodbye. My longtime Spokane friends were able to be there as well as church friends and school friends alike. My mom had a journal set out for our guests to write in, messages or advice for me while I'm away. I'm excited to go through and read them.

I'm deeply touched by all the love and prayers I've felt. I've found myself continuously asking myself, how did I get so lucky?

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Tuesday evening, June 12th, 2017

I was set apart by President Esquibel in our home at 8pm. My family was present and my dad joined in on the setting apart/blessing. Rachael was also with us. It was a very sweet and inspired blessing. I have been called as an ambassador and emissary of Christ. I've been blessed to find joy in the work. The blessing really focused in on the fact that there are people there waiting for me specifically, that have been prepared by the Lord to hear the good news. There are people I promised in the premortal existence that I would find them and bring them the gospel. Another part, one that is really important to me, is that he blessed me with the capacity to love my companions. I want to be able to love and be friends with all of my companions, and not have any sour memories to look back on. I want to be able to have the spirit with us as a companionship, and that wont happen unless there is love and understanding and patience.

This week has been a roller coaster of emotions and has gone by so fast. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to serve. Chile here I come!