"I can't see this world unless I go outside my Southern Comfort Zone."

Today's the day!
I'm all packed, already in Utah, and just counting down the minutes!

I've been staying with my Grandparents here in Bountiful, and I have had a very relaxing time (thank goodness, these past few weeks have been SO stressful). I really miss my dog, Scooter, but they have a doggy day care business so the house has been full! It's helped a lot with nerves and anxieties. I really miss everyone at home, but you know what? The spirit of a missionary is different than what I'm used to. It's very much constant. Any time I start to kinda miss home, it takes over almost like it's clouding those feelings and I feel okay. I do miss home, and the people there, but it's been pretty helpful.

I'm very nervous. The MTC is very intense. All day classes, and I have to learn a whole new language in 6 weeks! Okay, so it's not entirely new, but it will feel like it since I've never learned gospel related phrases or words. If anyone wants to pray for me or put my name on the prayer roll in the temple, I would not complain. Haha.

I am worried about my friends and family back home, but Heavenly Father keeps saying, "Yiselle, I got this. You just need to focus on what you're doing." So I need to trust Him. Immersing myself in the work is the best thing I can do right now, and throughout my whole mission.

So, I'll leave with this:

I know this work is real. The Atonement applies to everyone. We all have a Father in Heaven who loves us all more than we will ever be able to comprehend, and He loves us so much that he gave his only Son, Jesus Christ to die for us so that we will be able to live with Him again. I know the Book of Mormon is true; I've read it. I know it is. The Book of Mormon talks about and supports the Bible, and it exhorts us that we should read it. So no one try to tell me that it's against the Bible! Because it's not. It talks about pece, hope, joy, and everlasting happiness through the gospel of Jesus Christ. See for yourself and read it.

If anyone has any questions about what I'm doing or what all of this talk is, visit these sites:

mormon.org
lds.org

Take a look around, and you'll see what we're all about! :)


Also, one more thing. This song has helped me a ton. It's Brad Paisley (AKA: my husband) and totally describes my feelings about all of this. Well, some of it. I listened to the acoustic version quite a few times on the plane here, and I dunno. It just fits to me.

So...bye y'all! Sarah will be taking over from here.

Getting Set Apart Today...

I'm getting set apart as a missionary at 6:15 today.

I'm really nervous, excited, scared, happy, and sad. Everything at once! I am excited to serve the Lord, but kind of heartbroken saying goodbye to all of my loved ones. I know this will be worth it, but it still hurts right now. So here are a few little shout outs to help me feel like I've told my loved ones what I want them to know.

My family (extended and adopted) has been amazing. I love you so much. I am SO blessed to have such wonderful people around me for support and love. You have been my backbone since I can remember and I know y'all will never leave my side.

Sarah, Alyssa, and Jeremy have been wonderful support systems as well. I love you guys. You three make me so happy and full of purpose. I want y'all to know that I love you very much and I can't wait to hear from you! And I will definitely be seeing you soon. :)

My boyfriend and best friend, Austin, has been one of my biggest support systems during these last few weeks. You have such a big heart and I am so glad to have you in my life at this time. I know everything will work out the way it needs to and we will be happy no matter what the outcome. You mean the world to me.


Alright, I'm hopefully done crying for now...maybe. Ish.

I'm ready to get this going.

I love to see the Temple...

...I'm going there on SATURDAY!

Yesterday, I had the privilege to speak at the Alexandriana ward's Young Women's Temple night. They had 4 women (myself included) speak to the young women about preparing for the temple and what it means to us.

Since I haven't gone through quite yet, I explained that when I think of the temple, I think of the word sanctuary. It is actually another word for "temple" in the Topical Guide. How perfect is that? Heavenly Father meant for the temple to be a place where we can find refuge and feel safe and happiness in his presence. Just from going to do baptisms, I feel like that. Unfortunately I haven't had many opportunities to go, so I am so excited for this weekend! Everything leading up to this moment will be so worth it.

In trying to mentally prepare as much as I can (since I don't really know what I'm preparing for), I have made some goals. They're going to be obvious goals, but goals nonetheless. I am going to make my temple attendance a priority in my life. I did a blog post here over two years ago. I felt so ready to go to the temple and make those covenants, and I'm kinda glad I wasn't able to do it. I definitely was NOT ready. I am so glad I have experienced the things I have since then. It has prepared me for this and my mission too. I don't know if I am as ready as I'd like to be, but is anyone really? I think it is all part of faith.

Anyway, I am so excited to go this weekend. This is a chapter of my life that I have been waiting for. It definitely didn't happen the way I pictured, but it's still happening! Heavenly Father definitely has a plan for me.

I'm so excited! :D