I love to see the Temple, I'm going there some day

On Thursday October 21st my mom and I woke up at 5:30 in the morning.  We tried to be quiet so as to not wake any one up and quickly got dressed to head to the Redlands temple.  At 6:15 we jumped in the car and headed off (we then noticed that the car had no gas and had to stop at the gas station, making us about 15 minutes late, but thankfully everything worked out okay).  I was so excited and had prayed and prepared myself to be full of the spirit and not let my mind wander when I was in the House of the Lord.  We arrived at 7:00 am and all of the temple workers welcomed me.  I loved having my mom along side me to help me throughout the session.  I'm so grateful to her and all she has done for me.  Everyone was so kind and helpful and there was such a peaceful feeling there inside the temple.  My favorite part was seeing all of my family there (who could be).  Each of my married siblings and there spouses were able to be present and they all greeted me with big smiles on their faces and big hugs.  I'm so grateful that my family is sealed for all eternity and for all of the blessing that come from the temple.  It was such a happy and fulfilling day; one that I'll never forget. 

 Me and my wonderful parents outside of the Redlands, CA temple.

Afterward we went to Mimi's Cafe, a perfect place to get me ready for France!

On Friday, October 22nd my brother Greg and his wife Brittany were married and sealed for time and all eternity in the San Diego temple.  I was so excited that I got to go in and attend the sealing.  They were so happy and it was wonderful to be there with all of our family (except for my twin sister Allyson who is currently on a study abroad in Paris, France).  I love being with my family and will miss them very much while I'm on my mission, but I'm glad for all of the time we do get to spend together.

My amazing family whom I love so much!

Dear Sister Reeves:

On Wednesday October 6, 2010 I went outside to get the mail and to my disappointment there was no mission call.  I solemnly walked back inside with the mail and threw it on the table as I started working on my homework.  Then only fifteen minutes later I looked out the window and saw the mail lady drive up!  Huh? I realized I had grabbed Tuesday's mail.  My heart pounded as I anxiously watched her start to put the mail in each of the boxes and I screamed when I saw her slide a big white envelope into our mail box.  My roommate yelled, "Wait, let me get the camera!"  We ran outside and I slowly unlocked the mail box and pulled out the mail...it was there!  I screamed again and the lady looked at me like I was crazy, so I told her it was my mission call and she congratulated me.  I hurried inside with my letter only knowing that I now had to wait three more hours before opening it.

At 6:00 p.m. that evening friends and family gathered in our apartment to watch my open my mission call.  I was nervous, anxious and excited all at the same time.  Everyone asked me if I had any premonition as to where I was going.  "I have no idea," I would tell them, because truly I didn't.  Although my first guess was the U.S. then maybe Europe, but I didn't think I would get the chance to go French speaking.  I've taken French classes ever since my sophomore year of high school and have continued here at BYU.  My twin sister Allyson is on a study abroad right now in Paris and everyone asked why in the world I hadn't gone as well.  My answer was always that I'm going on a mission and wanted to save my money for that.  Since I didn't go with Allyson my mom promised that she would take me to France in a few years.  Well, who knew that my dream would come true.
Everyone watched as I slid the papers out of the envelope and then covered them up to only see the top line.  After reading the first line I slid the paper up and gasped...everyone shouted, "Where are you going?!"  I then started crying as I read, "You are assigned to labor in the France Paris Mission."  I truly could not believe it!  My first thoughts were, "Is this the real call? Am I in a dream? Am I reading the words correctly?"  However within a few seconds I knew that it was my mission call and that it was inspired of the Lord.  He needs me in France, there are people waiting for me to share the gospel with them.  I thought to myself, "Since Heavenly Father granted me my wish and is allowing me to go to the place of my dreams, I'll fully repay him.  I'll put all of my effort into serving him and his people, with full purpose of heart."

(I wanted to add the video of me opening my mission call, but for some reason there was an error every time a tried; at least you get to read about it).