Lacking and Slacking

My deepest apologies, ladies and gents. I used to be so on top of keeping up with my blog. But as of late, I haven't been posting really anything meaningful or noteworthy. I give my most sincere apologies.

What is new, you ask?
(Okay. Maybe you didn't ask that. Just go along with it.)
Well, my lovely readers, there is much to say that has begun! As you know, I have my mission call.

Mexico City Northwest sisters, can I get an AMEN!

I've met two girls now going to my mission. And the nice young gentleman that tested my language a few weeks ago also served in the beautiful city. Heavenly Father knew that I was going to be an anxious-basket case if I arrived in Mexico not knowing one person or knowing anything about the area. That's why, thankfully, He set it up that I would meet my new Sister (see what I did there? Sister... Sister Missionaries.. ah I'm so funny!), Jaclyn! I like to believe that we were friends before this life.

*Story time*
So. I opened my mission call. Freaked out. Came to terms with it. Hashtagged #mexicomexicocitynorthwest on the good old Instagram. And what else popped up with that lovely hashtag? ANOTHER MISSIONARY PICTURE. There was only one other. So you see why I was so excited. Me, being the creep I am, commented on this young fellows photo (it was a picture of him and my home girl, Jaclyn) and said I was going to the same mission! From there, Jaclyn and I texted and after about 2 minutes of talking, I decided that this was going to be a good friendship. We were already acting like friends that had known each other for years. By some weird fate, she had a bridal party in Roy the following Saturday. I wasn't home, but made the joke that her and her parents could come visit me at the good old DB. Yeah. They did. Thankfully, she's just as outgoing as I am, so meeting wasn't awkward. We continued to text and get to know each other. We decided we wanted to go out for lunch in the next week. We picked on a day and that was that. Not even 5 minutes later, she texted me saying we should go do baptisms at the Bountiful temple if we were going to already be there. Funny thing is, I was telling my mom how I was planning on going to do baptisms after lunch already. This made me laugh so hard. Obviously we are supposed to be friends. Since that day, we've been great friends. She leaves a few weeks before I do, but we should be able to catch each other for about a week in the MTC. She's pavin' the way in Mexico. I refer to her as mi futuro companero. I can't wait for us both to be on Mexican soil and teaching and preaching our way into peoples hearts.

Other than that, I work my life away. CB (Cherry Berry) and DB (Deseret Book) are working me to the b-o-n-e. It's nice to earn some money, but I do miss having a social life. I have about 2 friends I could call up right this second and just talk to. Mags, because she's great. And my good friend Brennan. But ya know.. he works everyday as well. So we only talk late at night or early in the morning. I just have to remember... quality. NOT quantity. Mags has been great. During times of stress, she has really stepped up and been the friend that I need. Plus she's an awesome role model to my little sister. Brennan is just as great. He keeps me laughing when I'm struggling. He's great to hang out with and talk to at 2 in the a.m.

I've learned a lot about myself these last few weeks. I don't take crap from people. I can handle being on my own. I really like to shop and buy skirts and shirts and dresses. Regular music makes me sick to my stomach. #hilaryweeksforthewin. 90% of my friends are over the age of 20. I can't really date anymore. As much as I love boys and imagine myself dating them, I just can't do it. I don't get anything from it these days. SO THAT'S GREAT. I miss my soccer sisters. Things were always easier when I could go to them for help. But ya know, growing up and moving away to schools changes things. Thankfully we are pretty good about keeping up with each other.

I promise that I will try to stay on top of my posting game. I mean... I only have 65 days until I leave. I need to make sure I leave SOMETHING good behind.

With the end of this post, I feel like I need to finish with something random and hopefully helpful to someone:

You are great. I don't care how many times you've been told that. Believe it at least this one time. I believe in YOU. You are here for a reason, and you have a purpose. God knew that you were going to be a force to reckon with. That's why He saved you for this day and age. Please don't give up. Don't give up on yourself, your dreams, all the things you're working for. None of it. It's worth it. YOU are worth it. I love you. Never, ever, ever, forget that.

Until next time, sleep well, all. Say your prayers. Remember who you are and what you stand for.

Some Nights

Some nights I sit here in bed wondering if I'm on the right path. Then I get thinking about someone else. I wonder how they are and if they are living right. I got down tonight and prayed for my future husband. I have no clue where he is, who he is, or what he is doing. I just know that he needed a prayer right about now. You may think I'm crazy, but it was one of those weird promptings that just come on. I can't wait to finally meet him and start our lives together. I know I'm only 18, but I want to make sure he is okay. Besides, that's what our church is about, right? Caring and praying for others? 

Okay, I'm done. Random babbling of the night. Sleep well, all. Say your prayers. Remember who you are and what you stand for. 

Mosiah

I've been reading in Mosiah these past few nights.. I've never really understood it until now. The first 6 chapters are amazing! There is so much doctrine to learn and absorb. It talks about missionary work, service, being a son and daughter of God. It hits everything! Mosiah might be my new favorite book in the good ol' Book of Mormon. Grateful for this little piece of heaven we have the opportunity to read. 

Side note: Went through the temple last week. I'm officially an adult in the church world! Honestly, it was pretty cool. Not as weird as everyone makes it seem. I'm so excited to go back and learn as much as I can! 

I Miss You

That's all. I just miss you. I know you're doing amazing things right now. And I'm so proud and excited for you. I just wish I could talk to you about it. 

Less Than A Week

Until you are in my position, you have no clue how hard it is to look in your drawers and your closet and see all of your temple clothes and garments... And not be able to wear them yet. I am literally dying sitting here and wishing I could wear them. Only 6 more days. I can do this. 

Pray for me. 

After Hello

I have some weird fascination with books and some of the words said. This is one of my new finds from the book After Hello.

Perspective

I wish people could just see things as I see them. I wish they would understand them as I do. But alas, that's where agency comes in. 

I was out at dinner tonight with a friend. While sitting there, enjoying our breadsticks, some people next to us were talking about a man from work. They made a joke about how he has 10 kids, so he must be a Mormon. They then continued on to make a few subtle jokes about the Mormons and how we have so many wives and kids. This is one of those things that drives me crazy. Yes. Some of our prophets did have more than one wife. That is not longer the case though, and hasn't for a great while. Yes. There are some families that have quite a few kids. But is that your place to judge? 

I guess I just don't get it. These ladies have probably never been to a sacrament meeting. They've probably never really thought about how normal we as Latter-Day Saints are. Maggie and I decided to write a note to these women as we were walking out. We started off by saying thank you for serving our country. They were in the armed forces and have just gotten home. Following our thank you, we left a little friendly fact, just saying that not all Mormons have 10 kids and 6 wives. We are normal every day people. We also invited them to read The Book of Mormon and learn for themselves. We left the note on their table and walked out. Who knows? Maybe they sat and just laughed at us, or maybe we sparked something in them. Either way, we did our part. 

Another part of this post will be short and sweet. Okay... Maybe not so short. My apologies.  

Yes, people argue and disagree. We all have our own opinions and reasons for doing the things that we do. These past few weeks, I've been getting the cold shoulder from some friends. It's not a big deal, but it's dragged on far too long. We've both given our sides of the story and the reasoning of why we did some things. I just feel as though these friends aren't looking at it from my perspective. It has made it hard to try and fix things when both sides aren't open to discussion. Truth be told, I do miss my friends. But I'm not sitting around and waiting for them. I've said my peace, I've been upfront and honest about everything. When they decide to get off of their high horses and discuss things, we will. I'm happy to do it. But I won't put my opinion of the matter to the side. I stand by what I did and I'm not apologizing for it. I shouldn't have to. It's been rough without them by my side, but it's also taught me that I'm okay by myself. I don't need to talk to people constantly or always have something to do. 

I'm probably rambling quite a bit. Sorry about that. I just felt that I needed to get some of this out. Again, I wish we could all understand each others perspectives and how we think and deal with things. 

103 days until I leave. Bring it on.