Brazil Brasilia. Called to Serve.

It's time for a good read, isn't it? [CAUTION]-- This will be a lengthy post. I've done a lot, seen a lot, been to a lot. Needless to say, I have a lot to share. The thing with these types of posts, where it has been a while since last posted, is that I forget and get frazzled as to where I should start. I suck at it. So...

Welcome to this sporadic, out of order, randomized post featuring stories of weddings, family reunions, hard goodbyes, exciting news, most importantly, me & my thoughts on my recent journey in life. 

Currently, I am sitting in the Salt Lake City Airport. Coming from a sad Missionary send off, a Bear Lake reunion, a wedding, and a last hoorah for a year and a half to my home. 

{Missionary Send Off} 

Breann Willardson. I came into Utah celebrated at a family shower, listened to her last words at her farewell talk, and sent her to the Mexico MTC. I'm pretty sure the tears were drowning all emotions. I'm happy for Breann, she has made a great decision, and will be blessing the lives of many in Nicaragua. But I couldn't help but think about the soon event of Bear Lake without my 2 amigos. I have grown up with amazing cousins. We've grown to be pretty close knit. Specifically 3 of us. We are all pretty close in age, and have done everything together. The first one sent off was Ty, to the New York mission. He has been gone about a year, and now Bre...and pretty soon me. So while goodbyes are hard enough, I had to go this family reunion amigo[less]. Granted, I was still with some flippin awesome people. It was hard not having them there.

{Bear Lake}

What can I say about this beautiful lake surrounded by mountains? This is it, I can say that I have grown up with the belief that nothing bad can happen at that lake.  Rain or shine, camping or lodging, boarding or skiing, that place fills my heart. It is near impossible to leave there unhappy. The water is unbelievable. My family fills it with activities from beginning to end. Constantly busy, doing something, waking up early, and sliding into bed late. I cannot say one bad thing about Bear Lake. It has a special place in my heart. Its my one very happy tradition in life. But this year, I experienced Bear Lake a little different. My papers have been in, the waiting has been going on, 2 of my cousins are already out. You could say I was eager. I was spending my time thinking of the future, but trying with all my might to not. To enjoy my limited days on the beach happy. And I was. It was a good year for me and wake boarding, it was a warmer water year. It was Bear Lake in new eyes. Serious Appreciation for everything that was done. It is not easy to plan and prepare for 35 adults, a bazillion little monsters. But somehow my Mom and her sisters always pull it off. And I am so so grateful they managed. :) Yes there were moments where I'd be sitting and thinking oh where are Bre & Ty? And it would hit me like a ton of bricks that they weren't there. But it was so awesome to stop that painful thought with a new thought of the better things they are doing. And it made me more excited for my call to come in. 

{Mr. & Mrs. Bitner Wedding}

Best friend Katie got married!! I can't believe it. It seems like just yesterday that we both were meeting each other via roommates during our first semester of college. It seems like just yesterday that she was somehow roping me into going to Utah to meet up with David for their first of many different things. Who knew that weekend was the start of their eternity? I didn't. But I am so glad I could share in this journey with her and watch her and David grow together to start a family. So proud of my baby girl! Also, during the set up of this beautiful wedding....my MISSION CALL CAME! My family drove home Friday from Bear Lake, and I was in Twin by that day. But that night I got pictures, phone calls & text messages letting me know of the mail that awaited me. I obviously regained my eagerness & excitement, but this time...there was no containing it. I probably could've done flips after flips for hours I was that excited. Anyways, thats news for a later time in this post. Back to the wedding-- BEAUTIFUL. Obviously the days were filled with lights hanging, tool being wrapped, finishing the small errands, the last minute pick ups. But once all was said and done, the backyard of Geoffrey & Lisa's home was stunning. Katie definitely had a dream wedding... Lanterns, dancing, sparkler send off. Unimaginable. Congratulations Katie & David... love each other always. 

To help me get through this wedding I had the other awesome Bridesmaids with me. Most importantly, I had Kelsie. She is such a little trooper ;)

And also, best friend Aaron came down from Rexburg. Thats right! I am a lucky girl :) He drove two hours to decorate & basically make it so I could get through the wedding. What a great friend I have! After the wedding, Aaron and I headed back to Rexburg. Yup, we drove the 2 and a half hours starting at 10:30. It was a hard ride to say the least. I don't think details need to be added, but just know that everything that kid does is a blessing and a great help to me in my life. I cannot believe that I am lucky enough to have him as a friend. I know I wouldn't be where I am now. Which is hilarious because I've known him for a short period of time, even though it feels like I have known him for years.

{One Last Hoorah}

So like I said, we made our very exhausting drive to Rexburg. I crashed with old Roommate Jordee. I flippin missed her so much! Old Roommate Tori came up too! It was like I was back in Rexburg, doin my regular thing. We went to church today (Sunday), and then Aarons fam bam came into town.  I don't know, it was just an easy sunday. I didn't have a lot planned, making it a pretty easy going, down for whatever kind of day.


{A life changing experience}

Fast Foward. I am home now. I worked my first day back at CFA. Celebrated Jessica's birthday...and opened my mission call!!!


BRAZIL BRASILIA!!!
{{Brazil MTC
January 8, 2014
Portuguese Language}}

I am so flippin excited. I have no words for this. I am still in shock. All that comes out of my mouth is 'I am excited' and it doesn't fulfill half of what I am feeling.

And whenever I had down time, I decided to put together a little video of people in my life, that have gotten me where I am. Whether or not they are still in my life, they have changed me for the better, just by knowing them. So here it is.