This project has been ongoing. With my “copy and paste” method, we’ll have several different fonts and thoughts. I hope you can follow. Some are my journal entries. Some are my thoughts while reading my journals, and some will be my thoughts as I write this blog. I will try to separate them as best as I can.
I anxiously stood at the front of the room, right by the unlit fireplace in my parent’s living room. All eyes were on the big white envelope in my hand. The contents of this envelope would determine the next year and a half of my life.
On February 16, 1995, I was called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Austria Vienna Mission. I would serve the people of Slovenia and teach them in the Slovene language. I’m embarrassed to say, I didn’t even know where Slovenia was. Perhaps it was somewhere near Austria? Immediately, we found a map.
I’m only including a couple entries from the MTC. Staying there for 3 months really did a wonderful job of preparing me for the rest of my mission, or so I thought. There are too many stories from those few short months, though. It’s another beast, entirely. I just want to share one more.
15 March 1995
Ok, wow! This is so crazy, my head is spinning. I am at this moment, sitting on my bed at the MTC. It’s about 3:45pm and I have free time until 5:00 for dinner. I’ve been told to really enjoy it ‘cuz it’s about the last free time I’ll have. I got in (MTC) about 12:00 and went to eat. I met some elders that were eating near me, going to Portugal, Brazil and France. One of the ones going to France is (my friend’s) cousin. I was very happy they talked to me. I was by myself and had no idea what I was doing. Then, I went to an orientation thing with missionaries and parents, but mine weren’t here. Oh well, If they had, I would have been bawling. I was already crying but only a little. I suppressed it. I don’t know. Maybe that was not so good, but it wasn’t that bad either. Then I’ve been in my room for about 2 hours. (It’s 4:00 now. I’ve been here since 2:00.) I’m all unpacked and have my bed made, and now I’m just writing in my journal, obviously. I already love it here. Everybody is so friendly and helpful and interested in me. I love it! I know, I’m a brat. My companions are pretty cool. Yes, plural. I have two companions, Sister Plowgian and Sister Rey. They’re both going to Hungary. So, I have companions, but I am kind of on my own, a little. Actually, I’ll never be on my own here, I know that. The Spirit will alway be with me as long as I’m doing what I’m supposed to. It’s weird to think I was at home this morning.
Man, I am so glad to be here. I wouldn’t trade it for anything, but I am missing so much. Ty is getting baptized in July. Lauren and Stacie will both be walking when I get home. Emily might be married, but definitely engaged. Most of all, Merilee is engaged. I’m the only one that knows yet, though, as far as I know. Chris asked her on Feb 26, and she didn’t even tell me until last week! They’re such dorks. They weren’t going to tell anyone until I was gone. They’re planning on getting married in July. Pretty dang fast, eh.
I miss everyone, but I think I’m okay, and I am definitely glad I am here. I actually start classes tonight, after another orientation. I’m so excited just to be able to read my name tag, shoot!