This. This is what i got myself roped into. 

Can i just testify to you of how aware a loving Heavenly Father is of His children? I had the months before my mission completely planned out! I was going to go to a home ward, maybe be a teacher over small humans, and really get into the Relief Society swing of things with ladies who had lived life. I feel like Heavenly Father probably chuckled at me in that moment, as He usually does when i try and tell him how I have everything planned out and that He can take a break. 

He knew that i needed this bunch of hobos in my life. He knew that i needed people my age to relate to and love the crap out of. I adore my YSA Branch and i wouldn't have my path any other way. I am so grateful for the humans i've met and how each of them has added to my story and helped me grow. 

ITS BEEN ONE MONTH. It's honestly been one month and i feel like i've grown and found so much joy. The people i've surrounded myself with are honestly some of the best people ever. They are so filled with the Spirit and help me to strive to be the best that i can be. I've been chasing goodness so hard. 

I'll be sitting at FHE on monday, Institute on Tuesday, Game Night on Wednesday, Mission Prep on Thursday, or Church on Sunday and have just so many moments of joy. They are all such an example to me and the best mission prep out there. I gain so much from each and every one of them, so shoutout for being prime human beings. We all choose to be a part of something so awesome, and that speaks volumes about how much the Gospel means to each of us. We all love and support our missionaries, our leaders, and each other. 

This month has been so vital in my preparation to serve a mission. There have been a lot of little moments as i've shared my past, present, and future aspiration with the people i've surrounded myself with and their insight inspires me. Stories we share inspire me and excite me for the future. 

When i moved home and decided to attend the YSA branch it was the beginning of a really important chapter. I think of it as a house.

 I had a lot of my house built. Foundation? Check. Walls? Check. Other important things? Check.  Except my kitchen. It was just a big empty room when i came home to Oregon. I was excited because it was going to be whatever i made it and i had all of these plans on how to make it the best kitchen ever. Then Heavenly Father left another blueprint on my doorstep and told me i could use that one as well if i wanted to. But it was only part of a blueprint, showing me the counters and a beautiful island that i could cook on and prepare amazing food. It took a lot of faith to set aside my own plans and to start acting on the blueprint He left me. Step by step i kept getting more blue prints for this perfect kitchen. People would stop by and help me paint it, lay down tile, installing overhanging pan holder things, perfecting the backspalsh, making sure the sink worked the way it was supposed to, and staining cabinets. We would share stories as we worked, often helping each other through tumultuous times in our lives. We'd eat tacos and admire the work we had done together. We grew together, so in the end when we finally finished the kitchen I threw a big party. It was then that i understood how many people had touched my life within that short time and helped my dream become a reality. . I'll probably stand in the door frame and just watch as everyone interacts with each other, maybe places a hand on the part they helped me with, and some will smile in my direction. It'll bring a lot of humility and a lot of gratitude as i walk around at talk to everyone. I think that's what the feeling will be like when i finally get my Mission call.