There is a first time for everything....right?

Well since I am leaving for my mishmash in like 20 days (ahhhhhh!!!!) I figured, "why not update everybody on my life?" so here goes nothing.....

Well to begin with, this is my last Christmas with my family and I can't even begin to explain the emotions that have been going on in this little head of mine. It's funny, everyone always asks "are you excited, nervous, scared...." and I usually just smile and shake my head and say "I'm excited!!!!" but really....I am just a ball full of emotion and I have no idea which one really describes what I feel most. But I have narrowed in on the five most apparent emotions-(in no particular order)

1. Anxious
I don't really know what to expect. Reading can only tell me so much, I'm just ready to be out there!

2.Excited
This is an INCREDIBLE blessing. Not too many people can say that have had the opportunity to teach people the true doctrine of Jesus Christ, in Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti and Rwanda!

3.Nervous
Am I really prepared to leave my life and dedicate myself completely to Heavenly Father and the people of Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti and Rwanda?

4.Worried
I feel like every time I leave home, things fall apart. I pray that I will be able to come home to life somewhat as I know it now.

5.Blessed (is that an emotion?)
Things have been going so right lately, and I know the heavenly father blesses those who choose the right.



.....enough of the mushy-ness!

My family has been sooooooo incredible throughout this whole process. I remember when I first started to take the missionary discussions and they were supportive the whole way through. Of course it is different for them cause I grew up one way, and now am living a completely different lifestyle than what they are used to. It has taken some adjustment, but they are really the most supportive family I know! It's funny, whenever tell people that I am going on a mission the first question out of most mouths is "How are your parents feeling about that?" and I never realized how lucky/blessed I am to have such amazing parents who have always supported me 110%, until I noticed the shock and the happiness my reply of "they are extremely happy and excited for me!". People's reactions really got me to thinking- how sad that some families are so judgmental, and narrow-minded, and don't support a persons decision to live their life according to the word of God, and trying to be Christ-like. Man, I love my family. (Hence, my tattoo) One day I hope to be sealed to all of them for eternity. I'm not going to lie, it kills me a little bit inside to know that my family isn't eternal. But I know that one day I will be sealed to my family for eternity in the temple, the family that my future wife and I make.

okay this is really long for my first post..... So long, I love you.