Going, going . . .

Sunday was Aly's meeting-not-to-be-called-a-farewell.  She shared with us all the reasons that she has decided to go on a mission:
     feelings that she's been prepared to serve a mission her entire life,
          President Stevenson's talk of the gospel needing to be preached
          in every nation,
               wanting to "[make] a difference for [even] one"  (starfish story),
                    desiring the pure joy that comes from sharing the gospel
                    & bringing happiness to others,
                         hoping to touch others' lives for good as her friends and
                         family have hers,
                              and being committed to work "for the glory of our
                              Lord."  (GBH, CR 4/95)

Aly's biggest fans

The infamous apartments #61 & #81

The old gang

Rough Riders & beyond!

Traveling charms???

Such a blessing: friends & family!

Opening My Call

On June 8th I met family and friends at the Brick Over in Provo and opened my mission call!  It was so fun having everyone there and I couldn't have been more excited when I opened my call and read that I would be serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, laboring in the PHILIPPINES, MANILA MISSION!!!:)  This summer, although a fun one, seems like it has dragged on forever because I've been so excited to get out in the mission field but it's finally time!!  I enter the Provo MTC on September 28th and will spend 9 weeks there learning to speak Tagalog and how to preach the gospel to the Filipino people!:)  Then before I know it I will be over in the beautiful islands of the Philippines!!