Hello, hello, hello!

This is a journal entry to let you all know where I've gone. It is currently the 3rd of February, 2012, and within the next 2 weeks, I will begin the first step of a long journey.

That's right: I'm going on a mission! I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (a.k.a. mormon) and I will be spending a year and a half in Chile, talking to people about the gospel, lending service, love, and probably some English lessons to those who need me. I should be back some time before the school year starts in 2013.

My schedule will be rigorous and educational, I'll spend the majority of the time speaking Spanish (which I am not currently fluent in), I won't date at all during this time, I'll wear a skirt or dress every day and I will always be with a companion, another sister missionary who will share all my experiences.

The point of a mission is to go out and spend 100% of your efforts for other people. Serving them, loving them, and teaching them about God's wonderful plan that can bring them and their families lasting happiness. We missionaries focus all of our time on serving and teaching people, learning the language, and studying the scriptures. No entertainment for entertainment's sake, no late nights, and we try to keep selfishness out of the equation as much as possible. So basically I won't be getting on DeviantArt or Facebook or what have you for the duration of my mission.

I am super excited for this opportunity! I'll gain a stronger root in the gospel, a better knowledge of the scriptures, love for people I don't even know yet, fluency in another language, the extra creative boost that comes from going to a new place (and becoming, for a short time, part of a new culture), a greater knowledge of people and what makes them tick, a better understanding of how to make a constant relationship work (which will give me a jump start on making a marriage work), an excellent opportunity to set healthy habits for my body... really, truly and honestly, I can see no setbacks to such a great experience.

If you want to ask how I'm doing, you could ask my bro here:

If you're curious about mormons, go here: [link]

If you're curious about mormon missionaries, go here: [link]