See you in two

I've been trying to write this post in my head for about a week now, but I could never get it quite right. 

But I figured I probably would never get it perfect, because how do you write about telling your best friend goodbye for two years?

This is my best friend.

Not the dog... 

This is also my best friend. :)

 

He left for the Mexico City Missionary Training Center last Wednesday. We said our goodbyes Monday. I went back to college and he was set apart that night, and that was it. Contact for the next two years will be limited to weekly emails and the occasional letter (mail service between México and Perú is sketchy). 

I can't tell you how hard that was; he's been a major part of my life for the past three years. I don't know what I would have done without him. 

Here's what I can tell you:

I know this Church is true, and because I know that I can let him go for two years. I know that he can do so much good out there in Perú; bringing the gospel and true happiness to people who are searching for it. And I am so proud of him and the decision he made to serve the Lord. It's definitely not the easiest path, but it will definitely be worth it. 

So the truth is, as incredibly hard as it was to let him go, I wanted him to. And no matter what happens in the next two years, this is where Austin needed to be. I know that.

And that makes everything a little better. 

I love to see the Temple...

I received my Endowments Saturday!

I was crazy nervous before.

Like I thought I might throw up....

(Found out later that was just a stomach bug -_-)

But it was honestly the best thing ever.

The temple is such an amazing place 

And there was absolutely nothing to be nervous about.

And to make it even better I had a ton of family there.

And even though that caused some shenanigans...

They made it all so much more special for me.

The Spirit is so strong in the temple,

There's nothing like it anywhere else.

I remember singing that primary song growing up:

"I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday..."

And it seemed like such a long time away,

(it really wasn't)

But I finally made it. :)

You see all the people leaving the temple? Yeah, they're all mine.

And I can't wait to go back.

For more information about LDS temple click here!

Today's special moments are tomorrow's memories,

-McKenna

{Also, my little brother who is 8 took all the scenery pictures (my cousin Chase took the family ones). I think we have a budding photographer on our hands!}

Called to Serve

Dear Sister Wilson,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the México Mérida Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months. 

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, September 17, 2014. You will prepare to teach the gospel in the Spanish language...

I can't really explain how I felt when I read those words. 

The words that I kept saying over and over again (and I'm still saying it) was: It's perfect.

I didn't really have a place that I wanted to go before I opened my call. But if I could have picked for myself, that would be it.

It's so perfect for me:

I wanted to speak Spanish

And go foreign

And I love spicy food

And I didn't want to be cold all the time

And it's surrounded by Book of Mormon history.

It's perfect.

And I cannot wait to go serve the Lord!

I was lucky enough to have my friends and family there.
That made it so much better. :) 

This is probably my favorite picture of the day.
They're staring at my call so intently. :) 

Also I didn't cry!! Be impressed.  

Yeah, I had no idea where it was. 

Mérida here I come. 

The dream that you wish will come true,

-McKenna

P.S. I made a mission blog! Click on the Mexico Merida Mission tab at the top! Or just go to http://mckennaenmerida.blogspot.com/