The Silver Linings on My Grey Clouds

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven." Ecc. 3:1

Opening my mission call.

My mission call to Portland, Oregon.

Girl chats with my roommate.

A time to reflect on what I'm grateful for.

Creating Cards.

Waking up for Missionary Preparation with President Wheelwright.

Having the beach just a ten minute walk away.

Service.

Words from ancient prophets close to my finger tips.

Trevor,Lauren and Jason and Michelle moments away.

Afternoons/Mornings with Deacon Kai Ellsworth and mommy.

The Prophet, Thomas S. Monson, coming to Laie, HI.

Pouring rain while laying in my bed taking naps.

Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes and warm homemade rolls.

Gathering around a table with family in friends.

Eating late with friends in the kitchen.

Oreos and Milk.

Knelling in prayer at any time of day.

Saying "ALOHA" to a stranger.

Finally deciding my major.

Starting my major when I come home from my mission.

Being creative.

Breathing fresh air.

"Mahalo!"

Missionary moments.

Finally meeting Victor Benjamin Holman.

December 26th.

The David and Nikki Olave Wedding.

Christmas with the family.

A month to spend with my parents before my mission.

Entering the MTC on February 3, 2010.

You are assigned to labor in the....

OREGON PORTLAND (English Speaking) MISSION!!!

I opened my call on Friday October 30th with some of my family, some on speakerphone, and some of my friends in Hawaii!(That's my brother Trevor that served in Oregon and my brother Josh is on the phone there with him.)

You can watch me opening my call here.
My brother Josh kept asking me what was going through my head. I just said, NOTHING! I have no idea. I'm just anxious. That's the truth. Not much goes through your head when you find out. It's been a letter I've been waiting to receive for MONTHS now and I was just excited to prepare for the next step! As I've received my call I've been doing a lot of "googling" ...."Portland, Oregon", "Portland, OR Mission" ETC. There have been a few blogs I've run into which say they're going to portland oregon on their mission, disappointed is one of the first emotions described. DISAPPOINTED!??? How can people put that about a mission the Lord has called them too. Where apostles pray over where to send you and Heavenly father gives them direct revelation on where they will be needed the most. There are NO coincidences in the gospel. We're sent where we are suppose to go for a reason. HOW EXCITING!! I actually consider going to my brother's mission a tender mercy. I feel like there is someone there to teach that wasn't ready when my brother was there and now I get that opportunity. Perhaps my brother and I had a friend in heaven that we said we would find and baptize that my brother wasn't able to find. Now I get that opportunity. Or perhaps this will just give me an opportunity to draw closer to my brother in our testimonies about missionary work. For whatever reason... I know I have been called there for a purpose. I AM SO EXCITED!
It was great to have friends and family there while I opened my call. (Especially to have my mom in town this weekend!) I'm so thrilled for this next step in my life and pray that my brothers and sisters in portland will except my companion and me in their house and that they will accept Jesus Christ and his gospel in their lives.

Thank you EVERYONE for helping me get thus far in my life! :)