OH HI

Life is great.

"You are the light in the dark"

Also, this song is just great.

Also, this boy is home.

I stole this from his sister Karlee. But I also look like a weirdo. Not quite sure what I was doing..

Two weeks

Whoa. Only thing that really comes to mind. I seriously cannot believe that my best friend has been gone for almost two years.. He comes home two weeks from today! I'm so excited. My excitement almost can't even really be explained. I love that boy, and the longer I wait, the more worth it he becomes.

Skyping on Christmas was awesome. I didn't take too much time, since at that point I was going to see him in 15 days.

I don't know at all what to expect, but I know whatever happens will be great. I'm excited to get to know him all over again, and to get reacquainted with each other. I have changed so much in the past two years, and I know he has as well. It will add a whole other dimension to the relationship that we had. We have both grown so much as people in this world, and have more to offer in a relationship. We have the ability to be able to get more serious than we were. And the great thing about all of this, we get to decide where it goes. We get to decide, together, if we want to make it forever or not.

I am most excited to be able to communicate with him again. To have conversations that don't take months, but merely minutes and seconds. I have missed being able to constantly talk to him. We dated for a little over a year before he left, and the entire time we dated, we were constantly talking. Either talking on the phone or texting when we weren't together. I am excited to have my very best friend back. The person who knows me better than anyone else. I love the friendship that we have, and I love how much fun we have together. I look forward to all of the fun and amazing times ahead.

In all of the time we dated, the longest we went without seeing each other was 16 days. That is insane, considering right now, he comes home in 13 days. That should be a cinch, all things considering. The longest we went without talking at all was 4 days. So in about 10 days, I'll be practically floating on a cloud with excitement.

 January 10th. Wow. The day that has always been in the future is almost here.

50

Yep, yet another post counting down. It's kinda a huge deal to me. Don't want to hear it, don't read it :)

Anyways. I love Isaac DeMar Wood. Pretty much ecstatic that he comes home in 50 DAYS!!! A lady at work asked about my dating life, and then she remembered that Isaac comes home soon. She instead asked how long until he comes home. It took me a minute to think about it, but I sorta freaked out when I figured it out. "50 days! 50 days? 50 DAYS?!?!"

While driving today, this song came on, and I cried. It is the truest thing there ever was.

Also, I got a letter from him on Saturday. For the first time in three months. And boy was it good to hear from him. He sure does love me. All those doubts, that build up after waiting so long between letters, disappeared the second I saw that letter sitting in my mailbox. Each day that I went without a letter was made up in that two page (front and back) letter. I've spent the majority of the past two years not getting letters. Which has been the hardest, best thing. I've been able to become strong, and not rely on that communication. But to rely on the communication between my Heavenly Father and I more. Going anywhere from 2 to 3 to 6 months at a time between letters, made each letter that much more special. And somehow, it made me fall even more for that sweet missionary. Knowing that he has put the Lord first, always.

80

80 seems like such a large number, but I promise it is small. When starting with 730, 80 is nothing. Nothing but a blink of the eye. This is the amount of days that Elder Wood has left as a missionary. Bittersweet moment for both of us, I'm sure.

In the next 2 and a half months:
80 days
less than 2 transfers
a few baptisms
many lessons
very few letters
a lot of growth and learning
2 Anatomy tests
3 Chemistry exams
1 Halloween
1 Daylight Savings
1 presidential election
1 Thanksgiving
2 Birthdays (Isaac's and my sister)
1 Anatomy final
1 Chemistry final
1 Christmas
1 New Years
1 dentist appointment
a lot of excitement and anxiousness
January 10, 2013

Missionary boys

This past Wednesday, I had two awesome boys I know leave on missions. My very first cousin to go, and one of my absolute best friends from college. I am so proud of these two boys.

My cousin Dustin, my sister, and I.

Dustin is headed to the Cochabamba Bolivia mission. Tyson is headed to the Tijuana Mexico mission.

Shoshone falls

 Since both of the boys' mission farewells were the same day, I was only able to go to one. But I didn't want Tys to leave without me saying goodbye first. So a couple days before he left, I went to Twin falls to see him and say goodbye. We went to Shoshone falls, played some frisbee golf, and just hung out and chatted.

With this whole missionary post, I have to mention my best friend Titus. July 2011, he left on his mission to Argentina. He came home in September, for medical reasons. About a month ago, he made the decision to go back out, and I am so incredibly proud of him for that. I love him, and miss him a lot. I know that he is making a difference in Argentina!! Emails from that boy make me so glad that I have so many friends who are serving the Lord.
"Two years is nothing in the eternal scheme of things!"

July

Wow. What a month. I'm sure glad it flew by, and it doesn't seem like it even came to begin with.
I've been meaning to blog about so many things the past few weeks. But I just haven't had time. Working these two jobs, sleeping, and eating are pretty much what I have time for. I do have a few things that I want to document though, but it is going to take a few posts.

I got a letter. About two weeks ago. I checked the mail that day, and it was sitting on top of the stack right inside of the mailbox. Before I reached into grab it, I just wanted to cry. Almost six months of waiting for it, and there it was. Part of me was worried it would confirm my worst fears, or that it would be better than I had hoped for. It made me realize just how much I love him. It didn't say anything too significant, but it was a letter. And, that in and of itself was significant enough. My favorite sentence, "I hope because of my neglect that you don't think my feelings have changed towards you, because they haven't one bit. I love you Mariah. I know that I haven't showed it recently, but I do. I love you." He is such an incredible missionary. I love when he shares his experiences, struggles, and successes with me. Knowing all of the great things he is doing makes this time so much easier. "I am definitely not the same 19 year old boy that arrived in the MTC 18 months ago. It is hard for me to notice the changes because I have seen the whole process but I can tell that I am different." I am so incredibly proud of him. He is learning and growing so much, becoming even more amazing than he was when he left. He loves sharing this gospel, and I can tell just by reading his words that his testimony is growing.
He comes home pretty soon. One whole semester, and then he will be here. That is the weirdest thought, I am getting so used to him being gone. But, boy, am I excited!! :)

Elder Wood

I am so proud of my missionary. He is absolutely incredible, and is serving the Lord with all his heart, might, mind, and strength. He is doing his absolute best, and doing all that he can to serve the people of Canada. I love him more and more each and every single day, and I know that he loves me also. He continues to be the best, and puts his whole heart into what he is doing. And that is especially true with missionary work. Isaac doesn't do anything half way. Always 150%. And that is one of the many things I love about him. He is such a hard worker. He loves Heavenly Father more than anything else, and his testimony shines right through him. In the way he behaves and carries himself, and the way he treats others. Isaac is one of the most Christ-like people I know. He is always thinking of others and their needs, and always puts other people first. He would do anything for everyone that he loves. He may be small in stature, but he is not a small man. His personality, testimony, and faith are enough to fill an entire room. He has so many talents, and so many amazing things about him. I am so extremely grateful that I have had the opportunity to have him in my life, and so glad that I continue to be blessed with his presence. I am also grateful that he is serving the Lord, and that has always been one of his main goals in life. To follow the commandments. I love him with all of my heart, and look forward to the day when I get to see him again.

6.5 months people. Only 6.5 more months! :)

I'm investing in my forever.

Psych!

Right now I'm taking Intro to Psychology. It started yesterday, and is my first summer semester class. 4 weeks long = crazy business. There are four exams, so that means one a week. Yay for that. It is just the bomb, because I have class four days a week, for two and a half hours each time. It is just fabulous. not. On the bright side, it will be done with pretty quick, and isn't too boring. It is a little bit interesting. 

Domino's work apparel

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Haircut, and parted on the wrong side now.

This week's favorites:

Chick-fil-a waffle fries w/ Polynesian sauce!

Working at Domino's :)

Just plain having a job, or two really (ie money) again

Country music

Skype video call on Mother's Day with the missionary

my new haircut

new Carrie Underwood CD

Isaac's basketball shorts

Skype

Elder Wood has an incredible mother. She is one of the sweetest women I have ever met. She invited me over to Skype with him on Mother's Day, even though she didn't have to. She also raised an incredible young man. One unlike any others I have ever met. I love him. Seeing his face today on the screen just made my heart smile. The second he called on skype, and the second I saw his face, my face was an instant smile. Bigger than it has been in awhile. A smile that big can only be brought by that boy. I love him. More than I ever thought possible with him being so far away. He has been gone for just over 16 months, and that leaves just under 8 to go. ONE THIRD! I can do that. Especially when he is on the other end of that 8 months. He has grown up quite a bit, but is still that same old Isaac that I love. He seems to have grown more attractive than he was (which was already very attractive). Two years, yeah, it has been hard, but so incredible. Worth every tear and every day of longing. At least this far. We'll see how the rest of the time goes.
I stole some pictures from his sister Cassie's facebook, hope she doesn't mind! :)

Alberta, Canada :)

Classic Isaac pose.

He is the one on the right.

He is the farthest left.

This is funny to me. He can't get letters from me if he doesn't write me ;)

He said I should be getting a "novel" letter sometime in the next two weeks. Talking to him today, made up for not getting a letter the past three and a half months. So worth it. Good thing he is so darn cute and that I can't be mad at him! :) Oh how I love this boy.

One of the girls on the MG page posted this Carrie Underwood song, and so I listened to it a few times and fell in love with it. I listened to the other songs on this album and had to buy it. So the next day, I bought it. I have listened to these two songs about a billion times since then. And each time, I think about Isaac, with a huge smile across my face as I sing the lyrics.

 

I'm not even trying.

But, I can't stop smiling.

Do you think about me

Like I think about you

I moved on to another town

Wrote you letters until the ink ran out

When the clouds rolled in, I'd grab the keys

And play that song that we used to sing

I met a boy a lot like you

It's funny how we used to sing it too

But he was always just a little out of key

So much different than you and me

It's funny how sometimes song lyrics are so relate-able.

Fix you

Sometimes love sucks. The only person I want is off limits for another nine months. Not to mention far away, what seems like a bajillion miles away. What makes matters yet worse is that I haven't gotten a letter in two and a half months. And before that, it was two and a half months.
Every time I am upset or have just had a rough day, the only thing I want at all is for him to hold me and tell me that everything is going to be okay. But. I can't have that. Not yet.

I wouldn't really do this :) but, it speaks truth.

This is probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do. Among everything else that isn't going right. Having the perfect relationship, and then having to wait two years to get it back, is the hardest thing. But. The best things in life are worth the wait. And, Elder Isaac DeMar Wood is the best thing. I miss him more than words can ever explain. The countless times I would go to him bawling, and he would just hold me and let me cry. Every time after I was done crying, he would give me the biggest hug and tell me that everything would be okay. He believed in me. Then, he would give me a reason to smile. That boy makes me smile bigger than the sun. Nobody else has that power. I miss him.
9 more months. I've got this. three eighths to go. thirty-five percent left.

Single.Digits.

Don't mind my obnoxious face. He is the best. Ever.

So this boy has been out on his mission for 15 months. Which means only NINE MORE! Single digits. And also, that is practically like a baby amount of time. So. He will be home before I know it! :) Can't wait to see him.

Missionary Love

This video may have made me cry. So tender. I loved it. I love missionary homecoming videos, yeah I know I have awhile. But my favorite part, is when they hug their mothers. That is the most touching part of every video.

This is also a great song.

On other news, I love this boy.

I used to not believe in love...

But then. I met this boy. His name is Isaac. And he turned my whole world upside down.

PS. This might be a mushy gushy lovey dovey post. If you don't wanna hear it, then don't read it.


He is better than I ever would've imagined. Perfect for me in every way. There are so many things I could say about him, but, there isn't words enough to express every feeling I have for him. He is my dream come true. He made me believe in love to the biggest capacity. He is the sweetest, most caring, most loving person I have ever met. He is my other half.

Most days, he knew me better than I knew myself. He knew what I wanted before I wanted it. He could read me like a book. He knows me better than any other soul on this Earth. I love him with all my heart.

Yesterday was the 6th month mark of his mission. Six months ago, I thought I was going to die when he left, but I've gotten so much stronger from this experience. Our love has been strengthened from the time away from each other. I wouldn't change the past few months for anything. I know he is where he is supposed to be. He is amazing, and is learning to become more perfect and more like Christ.

I love getting his letters and hearing all about what he is doing. It is a very courageous thing, and I am so proud of him for making the decision to go. He is changing peoples lives up there in Canada, and I know they need him more than I do right now. I know that this two years is the best yet hardest thing he could be doing right now. It is such a relief to know that he is in the hands of the Lord.

Someday I hope to be married to him. It would make my life everything I ever hoped. To be able to call him mine for eternity. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about it. He is the greatest example to me. He is the most optimistic person I have ever met. He always looked at the glass half full. He has made such an impact on my life, and I hope he is always there to do so.

Ah. I love that kid. He is my very best friend. He made me a cd last Christmas, and I listen to it a lot. Either when I really miss him, or when I just think about how much I love him. It is called "I love you" and is as follows:

1. A Million Ways- Voice Male
2. Perfect two- Auburn
3. Must Have Done Something Right- Relient K
4. Airliner- Julia Sheer
5. Vanilla Twilight- Owl City
6. Stuck Like Glue- Sugarland
7. Rhythm of Love- Plain White T's
8. She is Love- Parachute
9. Photograph- Julia Sheer
10. Out of My League- Stephen Speaks
11. Lullaby- Chase Coy
12. Picturesque- Chase Coy
13. The Best Thing- Relient K
14. Seriously- Katy McAllister
15. Dream Big- Ryan Shupe & and Rubberband
16. Check Yes Juliet- We the Kings
17. She is Love (Acoustic)- Parachute
18. The Hardest Thing- Julia Sheer
19. Just the Way You Are- Bruno Mars
20. If it's love- Train

It's my favorite CD.
ps. Did I mention that yesterday was SIX MONTHS!!!! :) Yeah, I'm excited.

pss. I'll tell the story of us in a month. On the day I met him, three years ago.

Gratitude

Wow. It has been a very long, yet fast as I look back, week. Lately days take forever to go by, but weeks, just fly right on by. 7 weeks from now, I'll be officially in college. Weird. Anyways.

This week was filled with some of the biggest struggles in all my 18 years. I hadn't received a letter in 5 weeks, almost 6. Which, for those of you that don't have a missionary, is a big deal. And downright hard. All week I was thinking about how selfish the Canadian postal workers were when they went on strike. But, how selfish was I to want a letter so badly. But enough about that, its over ;)

1. One thing I'm not grateful for, is Satan. But at the same time, I am. He makes me realize the good things, by throwing bad things at me. It has never been truer that you can't have good without bad. Which leads me to the second one.
2. I'm so extremely grateful for all the hard things that I've been through. Each one has taught me a valuable life lesson, through my Heavenly Father. It may not seem hard to you, but it has been for me. Being away from my best friend for these 6 months, has been one of the hardest challenges of my little life. But, we'll get to him in a different post, yes, he gets his own.
3. My Heavenly Father. (ps, this list is in no particular order, cuz otherwise He would be at the top) I was talking to a great friend this past week, and she said a few things that really hit me. One thing she always asks when I'm having a hard time, is if I have prayed recently. And it was then that I had remembered I had been praying way more than the usual twice a day. I didn't realize that I had been. And then she went on to tell me that I just needed to continue doing all the right things and that everything would be alright, in his time. She told me that I needed to continue to trust in Him. To REALLY trust in Him. I hadn't quite thought about it. She said, "But sometimes, doing all the right things can help but it won't fix everything. Unless you let the Atonement do it's work and help you get through.... The Atonement's not just for sinners anymore. It's for pains and infirmities and sickness and exhaustion." I've always been taught this, and knew to some extent that it was true. But not until this week. This past week, I discovered just how real it is and how it truly works. I prayed harder, longer, and more thoughtfully than I ever have. I communicated better than ever before with my Father in Heaven. I learned that My Heavenly Father loves me, and is mindful of me. He wants me, and you, to be happy. That is what the Plan of Salvation is all about. I am grateful that I was sent to this Earth to go through these trials so that I can become like Him. He is the most amazing Father to all of us, and wants everything for us.
4. I am so grateful for the Atonement, and for The Savior for being willing to atone for my sins and sorrows. I cannot even express with words how this makes me feel. He knows how I feel when I am at my deepest despair, and my greatest joy. He is my elder brother, and absolute best friend.
5. I am grateful for the most amazing family I could ever ask for. They are absolutely, totally, and completely perfect for me. I couldn't ask for greater parents. They are so understanding, and so willing to help me out when I need it. My mom is amazing. She is everything I want to be in a mother, and I hope I can be as great as her.
6. I am so grateful for the best friends a girl could ask for. They listen to me complain and they still love me. They try to make me happy, and are successful for the most part. They give me the best advice, and are willing to help me out. And. They are always there for me.
7. I am grateful for the freedom I have in this beautiful country. It means the world to me. I am grateful for all the brave soldiers who have given their lives so that I can live mine the way that I want. With religious freedom. And so many other things I take for granted daily.
8. I am grateful for missionaries. Who are willing to give up two years of their life, for other people to be able to have the faith and religion that I have. So that they can find and have the true happiness that I have found.
9. And finally. I am grateful for a special boy who is serving a mission, but, he will come in a later post. Shorter, but all about him :)

Sorry for this stinkin long post. It just had to be said :)

Canada. Oh Canada.

Dear Canada.

Although in the past, you haven't been my favorite country. And you still aren't my favorite. But. My favorite person currently resides within your borders. I would appreciate it if you would be ever so kind as to resume your mail system. This would make my life a lot better, easier, and less stressful. You see. Every day I go and take a trip to my mailbox. Sometimes multiple times a day. Waiting. Waiting. Ever waiting for the day that I might get a letter. Also, I've been thinking. You could maybe move up to my favorite country if you would be willing to send a letter or two my way. But that is a big maybe. Thanks Canada. Take care of my boy. He sure is a great guy. Send a few investigators his way. I would appreciate it. He is so excited to be serving his Heavenly Father in your land. The day he got his mission call. OH BOY. He was sooo excited. He talked about it for MONTHS. He loves you Canada. You'd better treat him well.

Much loves,
Mariah


PS. Here are a couple mission pictures I found blog stalking his mission president's wife's blog. Confusing, yes.


This one is the most recent. He is on the back row. 2nd from the left. Wearing a red looking tie.

I love this. His very first day in Canada. He just looks so excited to be there :) He is the fourth from the right. Dang cute too.

Missionary Week

This week for seminary, we are having a missionary week. We each received a "mission call" and there are certain rules for each day this week. My mission call is to the Quebec Canada Mission. English speaking. Shocker :) Yes, Canada! Haha.. Great. The rules are as follows:

Monday- No Texting
Tuesday- No Internet
Wednesday- No Television
Thursday- Bedtime at 10:30
Friday- Wake up at 6 AM.
Also reading the scriptures for a half an hour each day, and writing in a journal every day.

I decided to do some of these days. I think it will be a good experience to see what a tiny portion of being a missionary is like. On a very small scale. I think it will give me a great appreciation for missionaries and for everything they do on a daily basis. 

And since I haven't gotten a letter in a few weeks, I miss Isaac a lot. A lot. But. I'm getting used to this. I think. If you can ever get used to being away from someone you love. They say it gets easier as time goes on, but its been getting harder. Well mostly. We'll see what the future brings.
 

Futures

There is so much going on in life. And yet. At the same time, nothing. 

First semester was so. Rushed. I always felt like there was something that I needed to be doing, and not enough time to do it. My calendar was so busy. Between Senior project, other school work, busy work schedule, family, friends, and Isaac. I always felt so stressed out. Beyond belief. And now. Nothing. It's so weird! I don't like it. I need to find something to occupy my time. A hobby. Any ideas? 

Now that the first stressful semester is over, second semester is here. And I am so excited for it. I've been able to hang out with my friends so much the past few weeks. I LOVE it. I have missed all those crazy fun times. 

It's so weird to think that I turn 18 in a week and a half. It's something that is supposed to a monumental change in life. But.. Nothing changes. I always thought that I would magically be all grown up when I turned 18.. But. It's been a long continual process. And I'm about to experience some huge changes in life. College. Moving out. Being independent. I've had a lot of ups and downs while thinking about this. Its such an exciting time in life, and I'm trying to enjoy it as much as I can. But at the same time, I don't want to grow up. I want to be able to have my mommy cook all my food for me, and to always be there for me to come home to. I'm going to have to come to terms with all of this stuff. But it's just so overwhelming, and I don't know quite how to deal with it.

Which brings me to another huge thing in my life. The gospel. I always knew how much a part of my life it is, and how much I enjoy it. But. Until recently, I don't think I've ever really appreciated it. Quite as much as I do. My very best friend left two weeks ago to serve his Heavenly Father. And. Before he left, I was completely sure that I would have a breakdown. Because. For the past year and a half. He has been. EVERYTHING to me. And I learned that I shouldn't rely on another person to be everything. But I should rely on my Savior, and my Heavenly Father to be everything. I have never been so grateful for prayer before in my life. It honestly.. Helps me through each and every day. With greater strength than before. I am so very grateful to every young man I have been friends with that has chosen to give up two years of their life, for an eternity of memories. For a never ending love and companionship of the Savior. And. For their present and future families. It takes so much courage and I am so Proud of each and every one of them. 

And yes. I still miss Isaac. More than I can ever even express with words. But. I am making it through. I am having the time of my life. Because. I need to become the person that God wants me to be. By doing everything that I know to do. And everything that He would want me to do. Being depressed about Isaac being gone won't change anything. He knows that is where he's supposed to be. And I know. He is meant to serve for two years. Reading his letters is helping me realize that.

My best friend Courtney gave me this quote, "Distance is to love as wind is to fire. It extinguishes the small and en-kindles the great." 

I'm extremely grateful that I have a knowledge of the big picture. It makes it so much more worth it, and so much easier. 

"He never said it would be easy. He just said it would be worth it." Everything I go through, is helping me become who I need to be. For my future.

Everything will work out :)

It's been quite the past few days. I've had some really great times with some great friends. I absolutely love being crazy and having a great time with the girls. I forgot how much I missed it. 

The question of the week was probably, "How are you?" or "How are 'things'?" Towards the end of the week, I would just laugh. Its funny how you never talk to some people, and then as soon as something somewhat big happens, they suddenly want to know all about you and all about what happened. And they just want to be your best friend. Its funny to me. But maybe people just care. Or want to know everything.

But the answer is still the same. I am fine. I am told that I am dealing with this rather well, but how else am I supposed to take it. He was so excited to go. I can't help but be excited and happy for him. Seeing that smile upon his face, that excitement within him, just makes me happy. He couldn't wait to serve his Heavenly Father for two years. That. Is the reason I am taking this so well. Because I know that he is going to be the best missionary. He loves the Lord with all his heart, and I can see that radiate from him. He will do anything that is asked of him, because of his strong testimony. I look up to him, always have. 

Some days are easier than others. But I'm getting through it. Thats all that matters. I miss him like crazy. But what I do know is, right now, he is doing what he is meant to be doing, serving our Heavenly Father for two years. This is probably one of the hardest things I've had to do. But as the saying goes, The hardest things in life, are always worth it. So whatever happens, is what is meant to happen. Come what may, and Love it. And thats what I'm doing. Loving everything that is happening. I'm going to put a smile on, and be happy about all the great things that are happening. Being miserable while he is gone isn't going to fix anything. So why not be happy and enjoy the next couple years. It'll go by faster than I know.

Missionaries are such a great people. Everything they stand for, the smiles you always see on their faces. I hope and pray that Isaac will focus and do everything he is supposed to. I hope that he will have a good time, but learn so much! I am excited to be able to see his growth, and also hear about everything he goes through.


This really is what is meant to happen right now. And I am okay with it. Everything will work out.

Two Years

Wow. It's so crazy sometimes how everything just feels so right. Life is going well. Everything seems to be going exactly the way it should. But then I am reminded that he leaves next Wednesday. Everyone says, "Oh, it'll go by so fast", or "You are so strong, you can do it". But I'm just taking this one day at a time. I'm just going to live my life the way I want to and the way I know I should. No strings attached. Sure I'll miss him. More than anyone will ever even know or be able to comprehend and understand. But I will be just fine. I just know it. As we have both decided, I am going to live my life. Just like I should. I'm not waiting. We'll just see what happens when he gets back. Hopefully what we both would like to happen. But neither one of us wants to be let down if that isn't what is meant to happen. This really is God's plan and if we aren't meant to be together, forever, then what really is meant to happen will be the best thing for each of us. He is my very best friend and has been there for me so many times. And I will miss having him there. More than anything. 

There are so many memories I have of him, and each one brings a smile to my face. He was brought into my life for so many reasons, and although I may not know every one of them right now, I know that I am grateful that he did come into my life. He is such a great example to me and I have always looked up to him. He treats me with the utmost respect. He always has. He is one of the most kind and caring individuals I have ever met. He will be one of the  BEST missionaries ever! I am so excited to be able to write to him and see all the growth and everything that will happen to him. It will be the hardest, best, most exciting two years of his life, and mine. I am so proud of him. For the choice he made so long ago to serve a mission, and for his willingness now. He is so excited, and so am I. It will be a great experience.