Monday, August 19, 2013

Ciao, Ciao, Ciao

This will be my last post written and posted by me for quite some time. I will be a set apart missionary in approximately 4 hours... So I figured I should wrap this summer up and say a few parting notes.

These last few weeks have been a whirlwind! After finally feeling the strong conviction that this mission is what is right for my life I began my goodbyes. Goodbyes to Provo. Goodbyes to friends. Goodbyes to family. SO many goodbyes. It's been a bit overwhelming to someone who HATES goodbyes. But somehow I have made it through without too many tears. (Although I still have to say goodbye to my immediate family)

So my last little bit in Provo was spent just enjoying my friends. I was privileged to get to do a lot of fun things. I feel like I got to go out with a pretty epic bang. So here are a few pictures:

I went hiking one last time.

We rocked out at a rooftop concert. Actually it was 
rather boring...

And of course there was one last boating trip! 
I didn't get hurt this time. (Small victories, people)

I got to go to the Manti temple with my ward. 
It was so very, very beautiful.

We had a fancy dinner party at Sam's cabin.

Alex and I conquered the Kong Kone. 
They were a lot bigger than expected...

I hosted a going away bonfire.

To my Provo/BYU friends: I love you all. The last three years of my life have been the best years of my life. Thanks to each of you for being a part of that. It has truly been life changing. Try to have fun without me... I will sure miss you guys!

Then two weeks ago I came home to Washington. It's been SO nice to be back. To just relax and spend time with my family. The day after I got back we left on family vacation. We spent several days hiking and camping in the North Cascades. It was gorgeous. And the lightening storms and stories around the campfire were fantastic. After that we headed to a resort at Lake Chelan. Holy cow! I'm usually not Eastern Washington's biggest fan, but I have to say that Lake Chelan was spectacular. The water was clear and warm. Our hotel was literally right on the water. You could jump from the lawn to the lake. FANTASTIC. We spent our time swimming and relaxing. I suppose I should include some pictures of that trip as well...

Hiking in the North Cascades.

The gorgeous pass we hiked to.

Swimming in Chelan.

Out for a nighttime stroll.

It was SO gorgeous!!

So that's it. That's the end of my summer. 

But it's not that sad. It just means the beginning of a new chapter. A new chapter that I am so scared for. But also so excited. I know that I am about to embark on a very difficult 18 months. But I also know that I am doing so as a representative of my Savior. I know that with Him all things will work out. I know that the message I will be sharing is true. I look forward to watching it change people's lives. 

So peace out!


And know that you have a Heavenly Father who loves you!