So very needed

I don't know who is doing the rain dance, but please don't stop. Ever.

 

I'm just so happy. And so very grateful.

HMTC

Things are becoming so very real. This afternoon, a package arrived for our Hermana Allen. An MTC in a box you could say.

For those who might not know, the MTC is the missionary training center. When someone makes a choice to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the first few weeks of their mission is spent at the MTC. There they learn different and beautiful ways of sharing about God's love for His children, the Savior's great gift of the atonement, the plan of happiness that tells us why we are here, where we came from, where we are going, and how we can all be together with our families, not just for this life, but for eternity. If the missionary is called to share these life-changing truths in another language, they spend some extra time at the training center, learning as much of that language as they can before they officially arrive where the Savior has called them to serve.

Our Annie won't have the chance to attend the Mexico MTC, as her call originally stated. They're trying to be extra careful with this world-wide virus and that is a good thing. Instead, she will join her classes and meetings from the Mexico MTC by zoom video from our house here in Utah. Our home is about to become a missionary training center. And while the holy importance of that makes me feel less than worthy, it also feels sacred and like a privilege. I believe God will allow His Spirit to be in our home stronger than it has ever been, if we make the choices we need to to support our girl and allow heaven's blessings to pour into our home.

Along with the box today, there was a note that said that Annie's missionary tags would be arriving in a week or two. I'm grateful they didn't come today. Because while I couldn't be more excited for the adventure that lies ahead for all of us, specifically our girl, I will miss her with a fierceness that I don't know how to describe in words. And to me, a missionary tag is hugely significant and means it is time to begin.

Being a set apart, full-time representative of Jesus Christ is what our Annie desires most in her life right now. And she is almost there.

I'm just so deeply proud of her.

Glorious

We are home.
 Eight days, forty-nine people, one beautiful country and
more adventures than we could ever count. It was glorious.

Pictures to come. As always.

Missing Mexico already.

(But also ridiculously excited to sleep in my marvelously comfortable bed.)

Sewing class

This darling love took a sewing class from our cute neighbor last week and to say she loved
it would be a huge understatement. And this elephant she made, along with the last-minute
peanut she decided to sew in addition, is about the cutest thing ever. Just like our Gracie girl.

My privilege

My favorite ordinance to participate in at the temple is the sealing ordinance. To help those of

God's children who have passed on, to have the blessing and option of being sealed to and always

with their family members throughout eternity, is beautiful and good and such a light-filled privilege.

I know God doesn't need our help in His work, considering Who He is and what He is capable of,

but I'm so grateful He allows us the honor of assisting Him in spite of that. Next to my joy and

responsibilities as a wife and mother, it is the greatest thing I do with my time. I just really,

really love the temple. It is starting to feel normal to be there again and I'm so very grateful.

Lake Powell ~ Friday edition

Lake Powell ~ Thursday edition

Lake Powell ~ Wednesday edition

Campbell had to leave Wednesday afternoon to be back for work the following day. We definitely
loved having him with us for three days, but selfishly, wish he could have stayed the whole week.