Soon to be Missionary

Well friends, it practically here. I leave for my mission to Richmond Virgina on August 2nd. Boy, am I excited. I've been waiting for what feels like forever for this time.

I just wanted to say thanks to everyone in my life. So many people have impacted my life and helped me become who I am. I really wouldn't be going on a mission if it weren't for some of you. So thank you so so much. I am so blessed to be surrounded by so many people who are so supportive of my decision to serve a mission. Thanks to all who cam and heard my speak, it was so great to look out and see so many faces who love and care about me.

Shout out to my family. If you haven't met my family, you should because they are the best. Seriously, the most incredible group of people. I couldn't ask for a more supportive, loving family. I am sure going to miss them. I love you all very much.

I am truly blessed to have the gospel in my life, hence why I am going to share the gospel with the people of Virginia. I want to leave my testimony with y'all.

This gospel is so true. It is the true gospel of Jesus Christ. Christ came to this earth FOR YOU, because He wanted to. He gave up His life for every single one of us. No one is the exception to that. Heavenly Father sent His only begotten son so He could save all of His other children. That is truly incredible. We have the most powerful force in this universe on our side. Cheering us on. Wanting us to succeed.
Joseph Smith was called by God to restore this gospel. There is not a doubt in my mind about that. He translated the Book of Mormon. He could not have done it if this gospel weren't true. The Book of Mormon is the most true book on this earth. It testifies of Christ and His life.
I know Thomas S. Monson is the living prophet of God. He receives revelation for the entire church.
I know this gospel is the answer to where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. We are going home to a loving Heavenly Father who sent us here to learn. There is so much more than life on earth. I promise. Christ is waiting for you, with arms open wide. He wants us to be happy and have cheer. This scripture will be my motto on my mission D&C 68:6 "Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you and will stand by you. And ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." I know Christ lives. He was resurrected by the power of God. he overcame the sins of the world for us. He conquered death so we too and can conquer death. I leave these words with you in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.

Girls Camp 2017

I went to girls camp July 10-14. It was amazing. I loved it. My spiritual bucket is so full.  I got to go as a stake leader rather than as a  youth and I loved almost every minute of it. It was such a different experience than what I'm used to. As a leader I had such a different perspective about things and about the girls. (Side note: I am also the Laurels advisor in my ward and its so crazy that being a leader brings so much more love for the girls than I ever thought possible.) I got to be behind the scenes which was nice. I loved making camp great for the girls. Girls camp holds such a special place in my heart because it was so influential in my life. I am so thankful I was able to have a part in making girls camp great for the younger girls.

Both of my parents were at girls camp with me and it was seriously so awesome to share this with them. I was totally overwhelmed with love. I have always known I have a pretty big support group behind me but I was completely overwhelmed with the love that was shown to me up there. I know that Heavenly Father and Christ were aware of everything I needed there. There was always someone or something to pick me up, mentally, physically, and spiritually. It was so incredible. I don't even know how to describe it. I truly felt charity especially from the people I was serving with on the stake camp committee and from a few other leaders.

Girls camp is such a unique place. Not many other places can you gather 12-18 year old girls that are all so eager to learn about their Savior. The Spirit at our stake property is already insane but you add 150 people who are constantly seeking Christ and The Spirit of God and it gets to the point where your heart is always burning and pounding a million times a minute. Its one of my favorite places on this earth. If you've ever been up to our stake property, consider yourself a lucky soul. I also love the stars that we can see up there. This week, there was not night I was in bed before 1 in the a.m. There were a few factors in this but one of them was definitely the stars. I love looking at them and thinking about how many there are. They are so beautiful and I know Heavenly Father loves it when we enjoy His creations.

Children, all I'm saying is you need to go to girls camp. If you are a teenage girl you bet your bottom dollar you will be at girls camp. If you're a boy it may be a little trickier to find your way to girls camp, but if you are ever invited as a priesthood holder, bishopric member, or stake presidency member, take it. Take the chance and run, run fast. Its so worth it. It will be an unforgettable opportunity.

Thank you to those up at girls camp with me. It was such an amazing experience and I am so glad I got to spend it with such incredible women. Some of you helped me in just the ways I needed and in ways I wouldn't have been able to get anywhere else. (more pics to come)