Missionaries!! Well the first couple

I have the great opportunity of associating with some great young men who are all starting to leave and I feel like I have to say something about them even though they aren't quite all gone yet, but I have to start now while the ideas are still trying to get out.

The first missionary to leave was Jonathon Downs. He was an SBO, but left right after Prom. It was a shock for everyone to have someone graduate early and leave for Kansas. He has been a great missionary.Word to the wise: it is hot in Kansas and chicken spoils easily and fast. Favorite quotes from his farewell: "I will not let what I do not know stand in the way of telling what I do." "God doesn't call the prepared, he prepares the called."

Yup we are weirdos

The first missionary who left after graduation, wasn't around very long after graduation, but he and I have been very close.Daniel Garrett was in Orchestra with me and the quartet we put together senior year, and my prom date senior as well. So needless to say; we are pretty close. And he was the first of my friends to leave. That was hard. He is such an amazing guy, for reals. He is always trying to make sure that everyone feels included and that everyone knows the pure joy of the gospel. He is a music nerd, no other way to put it. Loves singing, viola and just plain music. He is going to be a phenomenal missionary in Daejeon, South Korea. Favorite quote from his farewell: "Missionary service requires all of you." "Missionary work is a labor of Love"

Then the same day was David Teuscher's (Russia/Kazakhstan) farewell and he left, that was also interesting. We weren't really close, but his constant faithfulness has been an inspiration. And, not gonna lie, I've been jealous of his smarts. Favorite quotes of his farewell: "We will make mistakes but through the atonement we can fix them" "You can be anxiously engaged by yourself for a time, but if you don't rely on Christ you cannot endure to the end"

In the meantime, some before, some after, Kirsten Anderl (Mexico, Torreon), Kylie Madsen (Manchester, England), Liz Ashby (New York, New York), and Jaqui Pectol (San Antonio Texas Mission). Kirsten is a phenomenal missionary as well. Farewell quote: "The Atonement is a precious gift I want to use every single day of my life".  Kylie Madsen is serving already as well and England is lucky to have her. Farewell quote: "Have faith in our Heavenly Father that he knows us and our needs" Liz Ashby had her farewell awhile ago but due to knee surgery once, and then later a need for a second, she has not yet left, although she is ready:) Farewell Quote: "We have a limited perception and Christ has a broad perception". Jaqui is a phenomenal missionary serving in Texas. Farewell Quotes: "the choices I make matter because my divine destiny and my actions do make a difference" "Life is hard because now is the trial of our faith" "Not all trials are bad in life"

Elder Watkins is in the green
jacket as the officers planned
something on St. Patty's day

Then today a missionary gets set apart who has been a blessing in my life because of his testimony. Braden Watkins never has failed to share with someone, something. He has shared his testimony through his actions, and the people of the Washington Kennewick mission will be truly blessed. Farewell quotes: "Sharing the gospel is simply a matter of showing who we are, a son or daughter of God, every day of our lives" "Do we show others how great we are or how great God is?" "I do not doubt because my Mom knows it" He will be wonderful and will do many great and wonderful things.

Ambree, Sarah, Jake, Me, Casey

Sarah, Jake (aka crazies)

Jacob Hogan is another missionary who has blessed my life immensely. He never fails to include people and thank then and just be happy for them. He is a talented singer and doesn't hesitate to share his talents and his beliefs. Funnily enough he and Elder Garrett will both be going to the South Korea Daejeon mission. Elder Hogan will also be a phenomenal missionary. he is very gregarious and is the type of person people love to talk to. the musical number at his farewell was sung by 4 soon-to-be missionaries and one in-a-year missionary, Elder Watkins and Elder Hogan included. They sang The Spirit of God and then he gave his talk and then the closing hymn was God be with you till we meet again. Not a good choice! The girls around me started crying, and I won't lie, a tear or two leaked out of my eye. Later we found out he chose that hymn. Well that was kind of dumb:) Farewell quotes: "Like the stripling warriors we will not come out of our life battle without wounds, even though we are strong" "When we pray God often reminds us of what we already have." "One day we will feel the love of God and know that he is there."

And to date the final missionary is Elder Jake Merrell who will be going to the New York, New York South. he will also be great and is one of those missionaries who is always ready to share, so that's great. Farewell quote: Are we ready now to lose ourselves in he work and spread the gospel?

I love missionaries. Today I had the opportunity to attend the temple and while there I was confirmed by a young man I know. Kawika Tupola (not sure that's spelled right, but I tried) was in my seminary class last year and was at the temple with friends. Nomi and I went to the temple and were put into their confirmation room. It was a special experience knowing that just a month and a half ago I had graduated with this young man and now he had the power to confirm me in the temple. He was with two other endowed young men who I knew and it was indeed powerful to see the younger men baptize and confirm in the temple.

How blessed I am to live in a state where temples are so abundant and I have the opportunity to associate with so many faithful young men!