Here's To The Beginning!

For those who thought I had reported already, I just want to say PSYCH! I don't report till next Wednesday, the 29th. I left for a little vacation with my family on the 22nd. At the moment, I am in Denver staying with my cousin Lindsey who lives here. So I'm pretty much getting a sneak peak of where I'll be serving. I am absolutely loving this weather! I forget how much I don't miss humidity.

So I report in five days! AHH! As my report date approaches it becomes more real. What actually made it an official reality was what happened on Tuesday. On the 21st I was set apart as a missionary. Even though I still had a week before I report I had/have to obey the missionary rules as best I can. (Minus me posting on my blog and getting on Facebook). The funny thing is, is that I already miss movies. Here I was going to go watch Star Trek and Epic before I go and I can't now... -sigh- Well it was the price I paid eh?

Being set apart by my Stake President was a wonderful experience.  He blessed me with peace, safety, the gift of tongues, love and other things that put my busy mind to rest. I am excited to gives these coming years to the Lord but it will (already has) definitely require sacrifice and dedication on my part. That is why I was grateful for the comfort my blessing gave me.

Today I got my MTC address! For ALL of you that read my blog remember you already promised to write me! So here is my address so that you can.

Sister Charlene Bailey Durfee
JUL08 CO-DENN
2013 N 900 E Unit 322
Provo, UT 84602

And this is the address you will write to when I'm in the field, unless I tell you otherwise.

Sister Charlene Bailey Durfee
1250 Main St
Broomsfield Colorado 80020

The email rules also changed just recently so you can also email me on charlene.durfee@myldsmail.com. I get to email once a week on my P-Days. When it comes to email though I will first email family.We only have limited time to email so if I don't respond right away don't be offended. I will try my hardest to email you back. If I had a choice I would prefer you write me instead of email.(:

I also thought I would post my farewell talk on here.(: It is a little long, just to warn you(:

"For those who don’t know me, my name is Charlene Durfee. Now, normally I wouldn’t want to start off my talk with the typical, “For those who don’t know me…” but seeing as that there are so many new faces that I don’t know they probably don’t know me. In fact just this last weekend in the Relief Society News Letter that we get every week I noticed that my name was in the list of Young Women making the transition into Relief Society even though I graduated two years ago. However, I understand the confusion. Many times people mistake me as the younger sibling to all my little sisters and brother, expect for Rosamund but that’s only because she hasn’t passed me in height yet. Though that is coming soon, she keeps on measuring herself to me just waiting to pass me up like everyone else has.

I’ve been currently attending BYU and this past fall semester I was going through some hard trials. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t where God intended me to be. Then in October, our wonderful President Thomas S Monson stood up and announced the missionary age change. For me, the call to serve came immediate. In March of this year I will be gathering Israel in the Denver Colorado North Mission speaking Spanish. These past few months I’ve been studying hard so that I am prepared to gather Heavenly Father’s children. I never knew how great of a responsibility missionaries had. To me, they became more of super heroes in my eyes. That is why I think the topic assigned to me to speak about is absolutely perfect.

            To The Rescue, this year Liberty Stake theme, is my topic today. It is also the title of an April 2001 priesthood session talk given by our prophet Thomas S. Monson. That source will be the foundation of my talk today.

            In his talk he starts off by saying, “Brethren, (or sisters) the world is in need of your help. There are feet to steady, hands to grasp, minds to encourage, hearts to inspire, and souls to save. The blessings of eternity await you.” It might just be me but when I read those few lines I got a little teary eyed and thought the huge responsibility we have as members of the Church to reach to those who can’t enjoy “… The blessing of eternity…” like we can. Every day as I watch the people around me function without the gospel I am in awe. I couldn’t even imagine if I didn’t have the gospel in life.

            The responsibility to gather is not just for those who don’t have the gospel but to those who have accepted the gospel but have fallen away. President Monson once got a letter from a husband who had strayed from the iron rod. It reads,

            “Dear President Monson:

“I had so much and now have so little. I am unhappy and feel as though I am failing in everything. The gospel has never left my heart, even though it has left my life. I ask for your prayers.

“Please don’t forget those of us who are out here—the lost Latter-day Saints. I know where the Church is, but sometimes I think I need someone else to show me the way, encourage me, take away my fear, and bear testimony to me.”

            President John Taylor warned us, “If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty.” I for one do not want to be held responsible for those who I couldn’t bless because I lacked in my duty.

            This responsibility is a heavy burden. But the great thing is that it is not a load we have to bare alone. Our Father in Heaven and Our Savior are there to help! Thank goodness! President Monson goes on to quote the play Shenandoah, “If we don’t try, then we don’t do; and if we don’t do, then why are we here?” There are many ways that we can try to save souls, inspire hearts, encourage minds, grasp hands, and steady feet.

While growing up in the church I relied on the testimony of my parents. I DID have a testimony but not a full testimony. We lived in Utah for 13 years of my life so I never really had an opportunity to share the gospel or even be an example. That changes when you move to a place where you become one of the few (very few) Mormons in your school. Surprisingly I was a quiet shy person. There were many opportunities I could have invited a friend to church or to an activity but I didn’t. I can’t count how many times my mom would suggest it and I would say, “I don’t want to. I’ll just be an example.” When I moved away and was on my own I couldn’t rely on my parents to help me make decisions. It was there I began to really build my testimony of Jesus Christ. I learned to trust in Him because he knows my heart better than I do.

While during my many trials at school I came across this scripture, it’s in Mosiah 24 during the time Alma the Elder and his brethren are being suppressed by Amulon. In verse 15 it reads, “And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yeah, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.” Submitting cheerfully and with patience to the ALL the will of the Lord I finally gained my personal testimony. I also realized that being an example was no longer enough.

President Monson continues, “The passage of time has not altered the capacity of the Redeemer to change men’s lives—our lives and the lives of those with whom we labor. As He said to the dead Lazarus, so He says today: “Come forth.”  Come forth from the despair of doubt. Come forth from the sorrow of sin. Come forth from the death of disbelief. Come forth to a newness of life. Come forth.”

Those lives we touch will be changed by our Saviors love. In which President Monson says is the catalyst, the principle of love. It can change lonely and suffering men into righteous and loved men. He also says, “Another principle of truth which will guide us in our determination is that… men can change. I’m reminded of the words of a prison warden who taught this fact. A critic who knew of Warden Duffy’s efforts to rehabilitate men said, “Don’t you know that leopards can’t change their spots?”

Warden Duffy responded, “You should know I don’t work with leopards. I work with men, and men change every day.”

Reach out to lost loved ones, lost friends, make strangers your friends, show them the light which you hold in your hearts that they too can change. Abraham Lincoln said, “If you would win a man to your cause, first convince him that you are his sincere friend.”

Our Prophet gives us counsel on other ways to reach out, “There are other ways, as well, by which one might lift and serve. On one occasion, I was speaking with a retired executive I had known for a long time. I asked him, “Ed, what are you doing in the Church?” He replied, “I have the best assignment in the ward. My responsibility is to help men who are unemployed find permanent employment. This year I have helped 12 of my brethren who were out of work to obtain good jobs. I have never been happier in my entire life.” Short in stature, “Little Ed,” as we affectionately called him, stood tall that evening as his eyes glistened and his voice quavered. He showed his love by helping those in need. He restored human dignity. He opened doors for those who knew not how to do so themselves.”

Do as President John Taylor asks and “magnify your callings”. The wonderful Bishop of this ward is led by the Spirit who is directed by our Heavenly Father. Our callings come from God. Be a friend, be an example, touch lives. I hope that when I stand at the bar of God I can honestly say that I did my best and that I can have a portfolio filled with people I helped bring to this wonderful gospel.

Now since it is Mothers day, I want to express my love to my Mom who has indeed saved my soul. Even during those awful teenage years she was protecting me even when I refused to see it. I think mothers are saviors themselves. I look at my own mom and watch at all the sacrifices she makes for her children so that they can grow to know their Heavenly Father. Thanks Mommy, for the love, the protection, the guidance, the foundation. I wouldn’t be going to serve the Lord in Colorado if it wasn't for you.

And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen."

This is also the last time I will post. BUT! My emails that I will write my family will be posted here every week. So don't go anywhere. I want to share my adventures with you!

I love you all so much! Thank you for all the love, the encouragement, the support. Hope to see you guys in 18 Months! <3

Char!

Sister Durfee, You Report In 30 Days!

Yesterday, I hit the big 30 Days Left mark. I am officially nervous. For awhile there I was pretty proud at how well I was handling my decision to serve. I wasn't feeling anxious that my report date was so far away, I wasn't nervous, I was pretty confident that I was doing well in preparing for my mission, clothes, study, spiritual wise. Now, I find myself scrabbling to get things done. I still need to buy more clothes, I don't feel ready at all in my Spanish, and I am not quite sure my testimony is strong enough for the hardships the mission brings. However! There is one thing that I know I can count on and that is my Father in Heaven. Even though I am nervous I am not worried. Now, if I was scared that would be a totally different story. But, that's not the case, so even though there is still so much to do I know that everything will be okay. Its great to have the Lord to fall back on.

I also got a great schedule going. I wake up around 6:40 and I get my scripture, and Preach My Gospel reading in, write in my journal, and study Spanish all before 7:30 am rolls around. It took a lot out of me at the very beginning (I've never really been a morning person) but now my body enjoys having so much in the day to do stuff.

I also have a wonderful experience to share. This happened about a month ago. This story mentioned happened at my local Wal-Mart. Just a half of an hour before I had deposited money into my account so could buy some things that I needed. I collected my things in my little shopping basket and headed to a checkout line. The cashier rings up my stuff and the cost came to a total of $48.16. I swiped my debit card and it didn't go through. However, I wasn't really worried because I had cash and I didn't need everything in the bag. I had 45 dollars so I was 4 dollars short. But like I said before not everything was needed. I was willing to loose some stuff when the woman behind me asked for the difference. She brought out a 5 dollar bill and paid for the rest. I was so amazed by her kindness. I told her thank you and she said, "Don't worry about it. I've been in your situation before. Just pay it forward." I then went searching for my mom. I relayed the story to her and she started to crying a bit. "Isn't it Missouri people great?!" Now my mom and I might be a little biased but I lived in Utah for thirteen years of my life and people in Missouri just seem kinder.

NOW ANNOUCEMENT TIME!

On May 12th, I will be giving what is called a farewell talk at my church and ALL of you are invited. To be honest, I think it will be the last time I see most of you at least for a year and a half. The church service starts at 10 a.m. and lasts for an hour. Afterward there will be light refreshments at my wonderful home. If you can't attend my farewell talk (but I really want you to) I would love to see you guys at my house at 11:30 a.m. The church's address is:
211 Ash Street
Gallatin Missouri 64640

All of you have made a huge impact on my life. I can't even thank you enough for the love, the friendship, and the fun I have had! I seriously wouldn't be my amazing self ;) if it wasn't for how amazing you guys are! I hope to see you soon! I promise I will post before the 12th to remind you!

OH! I am also sending out invitations! So if you would like one please leave your address in the comments. If that is to public for you I am pretty sure I am friends with all of you on Facebook so just message me there!

I love you all! Hope to see some of you soon! Don't do drugs! And don't forget to smile(:

A Little Taste of Foreign Holiday

(This is Brittney.) I finally found my thumb drive with all my mission pictures on it! In the middle of reviewing said pics, I found this video. It's really low quality and really shaky, but it is one of the few that I have.

It was taken on November 26th, 2006. I had been companions with Sora (Sister) Nettesheim--we called her Sora Nett--for about 2 months (she is the one sitting at the table). Then what should happen? President Ashby (every mission has a mission president that oversees all the missionaries) sent us a new companion! We became a threesome, which didn't happen very often in Romania back then. We were loving it! We had a lot of fun together. But this day, November 26th, we found out that Sora Valcaneantu (VUL-KEN-YAN-TSOO) was leaving again, and we had only been together for two weeks. To capture the moment, we put it on video.(By the way, I say "pa" at the end which means "bye" or "ciao")

My mission was one of the happiest times of my life. Not because I was vacationing in a foreign country, but because I was working hard and serving people as much as, and as best as I could! Well did the Savior say, "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).

In fact, it was in this same area, in Brasov, that I met a young man who helped me realize this truth. We had been teaching a young woman named Iuliana (YUL-LI-ANA) and she seemed really interested.  She wanted to share what she had been learning with her boyfriend, so she brought him with her to one of our discussions. We tried to go about our lesson normally, but it was clear that her boyfriend (I don't remember his name, but for the sake of the story, I'll call him Sam) had only come to antagonize and deter us.

Sam asked, "Who are you?" Confused by his question, I tried to explain what we had already told him before, that we were missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and that we were trying to share a message about God and His plan.

He shook his head, "No, who are YOU?" and he pointed his finger at me.

Still a little confused, and praying that I could answer his question correctly, I told him that I was Sora Durfee. I was a daughter, of God. He had sent me on this earth to learn and to grow. Because I knew this, I had purpose, and because of His son, I could better myself every day.

Again, the young man shook his head. He was getting angry (which is not the reaction I had hoped for). He said, "No. Who are you without God? If someone were to ask ME that question, I would say, 'I am Sam. My favorite color is. . .I like to. . . etc.'"

Stunned, I contemplated his question. I actually don't remember what I said after that, but I couldn't get over it, "Who are you without God?"

It is true; I could have told him my favorite color or my likes and dislikes. But in all reality, I would be nothing without God. It is He that gives my life purpose and meaning. It is for Him that I try to do everything. Granted, there are times that I forget to put Him first and I only think of myself, but when I succeed in doing things for Him first, and for myself second, my life aligns in the best possible way. I am a daughter of God, and I will try to act as such. I will try to serve His children as He has asked me to. Christ served others all His life. He gave the example of the Good Samaritan and then he said, "Go and do thou likewise" (Luke 10:37).

Life is so much more fulfilling when we dedicate our time to God, to helping other people and making them happy. It is in serving others that we discover who we are, what we are good at, and where our true potential lies.  And you don't have to be on a mission to taste that fulfillment, either. It can happen every day as we make time to notice, and meet the needs of those around us.

P.S. Iuliana eventually broke up with that boyfriend and then after some time, and after I had left the area, was baptized.

The Decision To Serve: Confessions From The Heart

I have contemplated how to write this entry since the creation of this wonderful blog. Some of you might be confused on why I would give up 18 months to live in a foreign place to preach a religion. I want to help you understand why this is so significant and hopefully share with you the happiness I feel every time I think of the work soon to come. (This will be a LONG entry. Long but worth it! So keep reading and bare with me! :D)

I know NOW that from the very beginning the Lord planted a mission in my path but I was completely oblivious probably to the point of even purposely ignoring. Just a little more then a year ago I was convinced I would be married by the age 21. (21 was the previous age girls could go on a mission.) I was taught not to give up the chance to be married to go on a mission and to be honest I was excited to be married. That was my goal. Marry Chaz Green right after he was home from his mission. I couldn't (possibly wouldn't) see an alternative.

Then Andrew came along. Haha oh Andrew. I will be honest, he kinda forced himself into my life. I made some mistakes in the beginning when switching my love interest. I didn't cut it off with Chaz before kissing Andrew (though I like to say he kissed me first, but I kissed back). The reason for this was the fear. I liked the feeling of having tight control over my life and was absolutely terrified of it spinning out of control. But look there was life going crazy making me quite dizzy. I was confused and tired. Both boys told me to make a decision that I didn't want to make. Then during one of the many DTRs (Defining The Relationship known at BYU) Andrew and I had, he said something that hit me pretty hard. "I understand that Chaz has been your safety blanket for a long time. I just don't want you to make this decision because of fear." I decided to consider it once more before making the final decision. He left and I went to bed.

I lay in bed for a long time, tears might have been involved and out of desperation I reached for my scriptures in search for some answer and some peace. I just opened to a random spot and started reading and then I found it the Answer to my problem. Not the boy problem, but the controlling my life problem. It is in the Book of Mormon Mosiah 24:15 and it reads "And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord." That's it. The answer. The Lord knows more about me than I do. I need to release MY grip on my life not grudgingly but cheerfully and let the Lord take it in his gental hands. And so that scripture became my motto in life. When face with a big decision what really matter was what my Heavenly Father wanted and not I wanted, though 8 times out of 10 we wanted the same thing.

So I let go which included Chaz. Andrew and I only dated for 4 short months but because I was now open minded I learned so much more in those months then I did in my past 3 year relationship. I came home a new person with a bigger better goal. I was becoming who I was meant to be and I was SOOO happy.

I then headed out to school once more. BAAM! Life threw a curve ball, my swing missed and it hit me in the gut. I was completely penniless and jobless. My parents ended up paying for everything... and I felt awful. No, not just awful worse then that. Every time I would talk to my mom on the phone crying was in order. Plus there was this feeling I couldn't shake off. That I wasn't where I was suppose to be but I knew that home wasn't the place for me either. I prayed and prayed for an explanation. I didn't get one and the feeling didn't leave. Then the announcement happened...

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints holds a meeting every six months called General Conference. Our modern day Prophet speaks along with other seers and revalators. Every member around the globe tunes in to this to learn new things about our Savior and his direction. The very first session President Thomas S. Monson stood up and announced this. Yes, you have to watch to hear what he announced.

My answer. I was suppose to be on a mission. Not at home, not a school, but sacrificing 18 months to preach something I know with out a doubt to be true. But this revelation wasn't just for me. This effected the entire world. Here is a video. Its of a graduating 2012 class in Utah and them receiving their calls after this glorious announcement. About 104 teens received their call or are planning to soon. Now it is 14 minutes. You could just watch 4 minutes to understand the impact it has had on peoples lives.

And now I will add the video of me opening my own call to serve. I google talked with my brother and sister-in-law who are in St Louis, my two sisters and brother-in-law who are in Idaho and my best friend and cousin who is in Utah. So my entire family was there! It was a special day! 

 

 

I am beyond excited for this amazing opportunity! I am so grateful for all of you and your influence and your love. I wouldn't be who I am and I wouldn't be worthy if it wasn't for all of you! ALL of you! If you are reading I know you really care because this was long. I am truly thankful and amazed at the wonderful people placed in my life and yes, Jeff, that includes you! ;) Until next time!

 

Beauty In The Snow

I have yet to convince Brittney to post more stories. If not about the JACKET then just about her amazing mission in Romania and pictures. I would love more pictures and I am sure you do as well. In the meantime, I'll try to keep you entertained by my own posts. Hopefully you aren't too bored or annoyed. However, I do enjoy writing my story even if its just to get it down so that one day my sisters and I can put it in a book.(:

So! You want to know one of the hardest parts in preparing for a mission? Clothes. I'll tell you why for two reasons.

One, Modesty. Growing up as a Mormon it's always been easy to dress modestly. BUT! Now that I wear garments it's to a whole new level. Shorts and skirts need to now go down to the knees. My shirts must always have a sleeve, can't show to much of the armpit and the neckline needs to come a little higher than I'm already use to. (I've never really been a cleavage sort of gal.) That being said and the standards set a little higher, shopping in today's world has grown more difficult then to what I'm  already use to.

Two, the cost. When buying dresses, blouses, skirts, and dress shoes girls know that getting good quality stuff is not cheap. However, I found out that CLEARANCE and THRIF STORES are the place to go! I have found so many great clothes! I also found an amazing sale!! shadeclothing.com is going out of business and skirts, blouses, and dresses once 50-60 bucks are knocked down to 12 DOLLARS!! No joke! I was pretty happy. I might have got clicking happy because soon enough my cart had 23 items and the cost reached $334. What just happened?? Did I just do that?! No way that could have been me! O.o

I mentioned in the last post that Missouri was hit by snow right? Well, another storm came through this one giving the girls not two but THREE snow days! The second day my sisters and I survived a winter photo shoot*. Alex wanted me to point out she even went barefoot. Here are some of our fun/amazing/freezing cold pictures. I would also like to say I have some gorgeous sisters! Don't you agree? And yes, the Traveling JACKET made an appearance.(: Enjoy!

 

Rosamund Durfee

 

We just had to get some cat pictures! -.- Rosamund and her cats...

And yes, a Lion King picture DUH!

<3

 

Alex Durfee

<3

I think she was cold... >:)

This is the normal EVIL Alex...

She tossed a huge handful of snow and it came down to hit her in the face. JUSTICE.

 

Josie Durfee

The umbrella was my idea! Genius!

 

I almost lost her to the wind but I saved her, No Big Deal.

 

Failure at blowing snow at the camera but a awesome face!

<3

 

Charlee Durfee

A win at blowing snow! YES!

I love this dress!

And this Book of Mormon!

 

Mommy Durfee

This is where we get all of our good looks! My mommy is so pretty (and not old!)!

*Disclaimer. We are missing one sister because -glares- she's a poop head and moved away! We miss her so much! BRITTNEY COME BACK TO US!

 

 

 

Home Is Where The Heart Is

I was a rough teenager, I'll admit it. I wanted to do what I wanted and if it meant hurting my family I was willing to risk it. I finally went off to BYU, thousands of miles away and hit the reality wall pretty hard. It didnt take me long to write my mom and apologize for all the crap I put her through. I realized finally that my goals were all twisted around a boy and not my Heavenly Father. When I came home from my freshman year at BYU I swore I would take this short time to make it up to my family. It worked I fell in love with them more then I ever had been. I finally became that big sister my little sisters always wanted.

This last fall semester when I made the spontaneous decision to go on a mission my heart hurt to know that I wouldn't get much time with them if I went for winter semester as well. I got down on my knees and asks for direction. It was almost instant. I knew that I needed to take the next semester off and spend as much time as I could with mi familia.

With family as my new focus I totally felt a greater spiritual influence. I've grown happier and content with the way my life has played out. Its so amazing the way the Lord works because while filling out my papers I just knew that I should still be here for my sister Josie's graduation. I knew that it would be a long wait but this gave me the opportunity to work a bit and get some money in my pocket.

Coming home though was a little tough. All my friends that are my age are now on missions and though I love my younger high school friends it would be nice to hang out with people my age. The first two months were... amazing. (You thought I was going to say awful, didnt you?) The reason for this was I had one friend Grant Ward who wouldn't leave for his mission till February 6th. We weren't very close when I was dating Chaz but he was still a great friend none the less. These last two months gave Grant and I an opportunity to become even greater friends. I might have developed a little crush during that time but that's besides the point. Now that he's gone I've become a hermit. Life doesn't exist beyond the home and if it does its only when I'm out with my mom.

My poor mother. I wouldn't be surprise if she's sick of me. I am with her almost all the hours of the day. However! She hasn't said anything yet so I'll just push until she says stop. ;) When it comes to my siblings they feel guilty every time they go out on the weekends leaving their sad 20 year old sister at home but I don't want them to miss out on fun because of me (though I am The Fun). Its just one of the small price I've gladly paid to be home this semester.

This past Thursday the Midwest was hit with a huge snow storm and the schools here think that even if we only get a foot of snow there is no way school can be in session. But in all reality it makes sense here. We might only get a foot of snow but we also get two inches of ice that rests on top of the snow. Take a look at the picture below it might look like a wintery wonderland but if you would take a step out on the snow it would be like walking on a frozen lake. While in St Louis this weekend I walked across a yard of snow and I was reminded of The Dark Knight Rises. Exile or Death and I was sentence to Exile. To walk on the frozen river. It ended happy for me, not because Batman showed up only because its just snow and my life isn't that exciting. The girls had two snow days. For me it means two days of not bugging my mom so much and more time to bug my siblings. I enjoy snow days! Haha

So for those teenagers out there who think they are suffering because of their parents, my advice is to stop the complaining and take a moment and listen to them. MOST of what they say is for our protection and crazy enough they are probably right even if you think they are wrong!

Im a big kid now!

(Charlee)
You know how there are moments while growing up you feel like you really can sing, "I'm a big kid now!" Well, coming out from the St Louis Temple I felt like that song was meant for me! Look at me! I AM a big kid now!

While I wish I could share my entire experience with you receiving my endowments was very special and sacred to me. I can, however, share that the 16th of February was one of the happiest days of my life. I came out with a greater understanding and knowledge that I really am heading down the path God has set before me. What also made it more amazing was that my best friend and cousin also went through the temple the same day to receive her endowments as well.

(Going off on a tangent) Her and I have been bestest cousins since the longest I can remember. As we grow older we grow closer and closer together even if it seems like we can't get any closer it happens. The day they announced the missionary age change I immediately sent Callie a text. Together we both decided to go on missions. And... we turned our papers the same day... And we opened our calls the same day... AND we report the same day! Granted, we wont be going to the same place (she to Louisville Kentucky and I to Denver Colorado, her English and I Spanish) but we will party in the MTC together!

(Back on track) so I was texting Callie on the way to St Louis and she shared a scripture with me that gave me strength. I think it will be great if I share it with you. Its in D&C 109:13 and it reads, "And that all people who shall enter upon the threshold of the Lord's house may feel thy power, and feel constrained to acknowledge that thou hast sanctified it, and that it is thy house, a place of thy holiness." First off for those of you who are like "D&C?!?! What the heck is that?! It's not in the Bible!" You are correct about the Bible thing. The Doctrine and Covenants is modern day scriptures that was given by the prophet Joseph Smith and I believe it to be true. And Second. I hope that all of you took the opportunity to go to the Kansas City Temple Open House last May. Especially those who aren't members of my church and read my blog. If you didn't sometime when you're in KC and need something to do just visit the grounds of the temple. You will feel something special. What special feeling? I'll leave that to you to interpret. For me, even when I drive near the temple, I know without any shadow of a doubt that it is my Heavenly Father's house.

Now on to something not so temple related. This last January marked a year since I broke up my three year relationship with Chaz Green. Shortly after that (like MAYBE 2 days) I then started dating a most wonderful man named Andrew Givens. Now the reason I bring up Andrew is that he taught me things that I am now just beginning to appreciate. Andrew was a very VERY friendly person. I can remember sitting down to eat our regular subway sandwich and there would be another person at the same table and in just a matter of minutes he could have them telling their life story. Okay, that's an exaggeration but its pretty close to truth. Now I consider myself friendly as well but Andrew brought me out of my comfort zone to talk to everyone and anyone! Now that I'm heading off to Colorado I realized what a wonderful skill he taught me. A skill I will use everyday, and I mean EVERYDAY on my mission. Andrew, I'm sending my thanks to you all the way to Germany! That's where he is serving his mission. -mumbles- Lucky duck. Haha

Speaking of boys on missions! I have also found out that writing missionaries that are on missions is a fantastic way to prepare for one! I have about 6 boys that I write regularly. The letters get me so excited for my mission! I can't wait for that to be me! Maybe in later posts I'll share some of the letters and emails I have received. I think you would enjoy them. I already have two missionaries in mind.

You guys will write me when it comes time right? I'll post all my contact information! I would love to hear from you! I know that many missionaries rely on the letters they receive to get through the day. So you have to promise me. Yes, right now. Say, "I promise to write Charlee while she is on her mission." Good. You are now under obligation! :D

Lets end on that lovely note and a PICTURE of me wearing the JACKET on the way to St Louis. I hope you guys enjoy reading these and that you're doing well! Adios chicos!