Lexie Lately At The MTC In Mexico City!

Surprise video chat call from Lexie happened last Saturday due to arriving midweek & not having a p-day (for those who don’t know what a p-day is it’s a preparation day which is a free day for missionaries where they do their laundry, errands, clean apartment, write letters and call family only) Not only is she enjoying the beautiful weather while hearing the constant sounds of colorful birds chirping she’s super excited to learn and grow with The Lord. She knows what her purpose is as a missionary & what she needs to do. And even though there is a lot to study she finds joy in the work. The Spanish Language is coming pretty easy for her. It is amazing how in the three days she has been there she has spoken more Spanish than ever before! She's in a trio companionship and lucky for her they are all going to serve in Tempe too! I am truly happy for her and as we spoke with her we saw the glow of joy on her face just as you see in these photos. Video chatting with her was the best and I’m so glad I’ll be able to do that each week until she comes home!

Lexie Lately- Her Mission Call.

Next year, on February 28, Lexie will be heading to Mexico City where she be learning the Spanish language at a training center where our church missionaries are taught to speak the language. This will then lead her to Tempe, Arizona where she be living for 18 months. Her hope is to build relationships in reaching out to those who are in search of comfort and love by sharing with them the purpose of life that The Lord has created. I have to say that I am super excited knowing that I will soon have another member in our family (besides my mom and sister) to speak Spanish with! We are so proud of our second oldest coconut. We just know she will bring light and sunshine to those around her who are seeking healing and the light of the world. 

Called To Serve.

Well, the time has now arrived for our daughter to begin the life to serve as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I will never feel the full effect of what it's like to serve a full time mission because of becoming a member so late in age, but I know this...I love the gospel. I know it is true, and that it is the key to everlasting happiness. I know that the Lord has placed missionaries on the path of those who are seeking light, knowledge, joy, and truth. And I'm so grateful to have a child who will be experiencing in sharing this wonderful work of The Lord.

I appreciate the missionaries, and all that they stand for. Leaving their place of comfort surrounded by familiar territory, friends, and family is not easy, but in the end, it will all be worth it. They will be blessed beyond measure for doing so, and will be unimaginably rich in blessings...and so will their families. 

I love how the gospel changes people, and believe me it does change you. I am a testament to that change. I know that Sierra is going to be a loving, guiding, caring, and understanding person in the mission field. I know that she will love the culture of the filipino people, and that in return will gain new families as she teaches the gospel. She radiates a lights so bright that she will be loved by everyone. I know that things will not be perfect for her, and I know that even in the mission field trials will occur, and that she'll have the strength to get through them. I only hope they're not huge! I know that the Lord will guide and watch over, and that He will always be there to help her. The only way He can help her as a missionary is if she reaches out to Him in prayer. To ask, be still, and listen. To keep busy, and work hard. I know that she will plant many seeds, and pray hard to bring those who are lost back to remembering what the light of Christ felt like. And reach out to those who are in search of truth, and everlasting happiness. I know that she'll reach out to those in need of service, and make many friends. And that's the most important part of missionary work. Is to love, and be a friend. It's not about the numbers, but about the quality of love that is given to any one who is placed on her path. And she will be great at that!

I wish her the best in serving, and learning the language of tagalog. I pray that she will bring all her knowledge with her while training at the MTC, and in all that she accomplishes while on her mission. 

And so I end this post with the lyrics from a hymn that I first heard at church when missionaries would be sent out. Sure it pertains to full time missionaries, but at the same time...I believe it's meant for me too! 

Every member a missionary right? 

"Called to serve Him Heavenly King of Glory. 

Chosen e'er to witness for his name. 

Far and wide we tell the Father's story, 

Far and wide His love proclaim. 

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name. 

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name. 

Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing. 

God our strength will be; press forward ever, 

Called to serve our King. 

Called to know the richness of His blessing

Sons and daughters, children of a King. 

Glad of heart, His holy name confessing. 

Praises unto Him we bring. 

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name. 

Onward, ever onward, as we glory in His name. 

Forward, pressing forward, as a triumph song we sing. 

God our strength will be; press forward ever, 

Called to serve our King. "

Address for those who want to write to her. I know she'd appreciate any kind of mail while in the MTC! 

Provo MTC address:
Sister Sierra Jorgensen
MAR30 PHI-URD
2005 N. 900 E. Unit 204
Provo, UT 84602

Four More Days...

The day we dropped off Sierra at the airport last month when she came for a visit was a bit of a mess. We left later than we should due to the fact that she looked at her departure time incorrectly. Luckily she was able to make it back to Utah on a later flight and that she  made it home safely. Word to the wise...make sure you always double check what time your departure time is! Although I'm grateful that she took the time out of her busy schedule the time she spent here with us was too short. Five days was not enough to spend quality time with her, but we sure made the quality of that short time spent with her worth it. Sometimes it's impossible to be able to see your friends while visiting, but there comes a time where they have to understand that "there's not enough time, but I'll see you when I get back." However, I'm glad she was able to see a couple of good friends while she was here, and that she was able to enjoy herself. Call me selfish but after not seeing her for an entire year except for the four days she spent with us this past December I really wanted us to have her all to ourselves. Seeing her friends does help put her at ease, and  I'm grateful for those who contacted her to make time for her. It truly reminded her of some of the good she left behind in Jersey. 

She has four more days left before she enters the MTC to train as a missionary, and very little time to finish all the preparations. Another word to the wise...do not procrastinate, and as much as you love your friends you got to limit the time spent with them...otherwise, homesickness will severely kick in once you leave for your mission! Hopefully Sierra will not have that issue, and that she will be "homesick free", focused, and ready to be a missionary. 

Since I'm not around to help her get all the last minute preparations done I'm extremely grateful for my mother-in-law to be a part of this special time in her life, and help her out. I wish with all my heart that I can be there full, front, and center to experience, and share this glorious chapter in her life, but it isn't possible. Nor would I be able to leave two young children alone in the house. With a husband working, and a very busy teenager there is no way I could have flown out. Call it bad timing, but I'm grateful for all my friends and family out west who were able to attend her farewell. That really meant a lot to me! There were people who came who hadn't seen her since we moved 10 years ago! She was 11 y'all, and will be turning 21 on her mission this year! I can't believe it's been that many years since we left Utah. I'm happy that she has made new friends since moving back to Utah two years ago. 

Her farewell talk at church was so uplifting and spiritual. Very well prepared, and straight from the heart. It was by far one of the best talks I've heard in a looooonngggg time, and I'm so happy she made made arrangements for someone to record it for me. I only wish she would have recorded her special musical number which included her playing the piano. She was hoping her friend Marshall McDonald would come, but he's a very busy guy and couldn't attend. She played one of his songs, and after she heard he couldn't make it became less nervous! She didn't want to slaughter his song by messing it up in front of him, but from what everyone told me she was phenomenal! I am so grateful that she has been blessed with this talent so that she can use it on her mission, and bless others with music!  

I'm just so proud that she has chosen this path in wanting to serve The Lord. It's something so personal that requires a lot of praying, growth, a true sense of surety, and major strength with no doubt, to decide in the end to serve a mission. Although she says says she's a bit nervous, and doesn't quite know what to expect she'll grow, and prosper, and with the right mindset will be an amazing missionary. 

I have faith in her, and have so much gratitude for everyone who has been there in her life up to this point in order for her to get to her where she's at in making this final decision to serve a church mission. 

According to my mother-in-law preparing to send a missionary out into the world is a lot of work, and requires a lot of time, and preparation. She did it with two of her own, and now her firstborn granddaughter. Especially when you have one going international! Thank goodness I have my in laws to help. Without them I honestly don't know who would be helping her prepare, and in buying her all the necessities that she needs! I'm grateful that I can at least offer Sierra my emotional support, and anything I can "fix" for her from a distance. 

I know in this previous post I mentioned face timing her everyday until the day she leaves, but both realized that it's best if we lessened our time on the phone. Besides, she's been way too busy with finalizing everything before she departs. I am grateful she was able to go to the temple a couple of times again, and to attend the Provo City Center temple open house. What a beautiful temple! She sure is lucky to be surrounded by so many wonderful temples! 

I will be talking to her before she leaves, and then that's it! She'll be off serving for 18 months! Luckily I have three kids at home who will keep me on my toes, and less "sierra sick." Then again, she's been away from me long enough to get used to not having her here. I hope that doesn't sound unfeeling, but I feel as if I've pretty much let go of her reigns. I know at times I'll miss face timing her, but I know that receiving her weekly emails will strengthen me in knowing that she is doing a marvelous work, and that she is exactly where she needs to be.

I'm already beginning to feel all the feelings, and have faith thatall will  be well with her when she departs! 

She only has four more days y'all! So if there are any of you who would like to send her any last minute wishes via text, email, or Facebook I suggest you do it soon! 

Happy weekend! 

Temple Day With Sierra!

Yesterday I totally balled like a baby when I saw my daughter in her temple dress getting ready to go through for the first time. I hugged her so tight, and cried so hard. It was a surreal moment for me, and something that I still can't believe has happened. Not because she wasn't ready, but because she was indeed ready, and in my eyes she'll always be my baby girl. If I cried this much while she went through the temple for her mission, I can't even imagine how I'm going to react when the time comes for her to get married! I'm sure it'll be easier as each kid grows up, and although I see all my kids as special individuals this one has come along way in all that she has done, and prepared to get to this spiritual point in her life. 

And I hope she'll never forget it! 

Here are a few photos from our special day! 

 // Even in the middle of winter, attending the temple is a beautiful place. The weather was perfect. No freezing temps, and good enough to snap a few shots without our coats on! //

 // Okay...some random lady snapped this shot of us in a hurry, and it's the only one she took. Not the best quality, but in my eyes it's picture perfect! Thanks to sierra's editing expertise! ///

// After the temple we at ate 2 Amys which is literally the best pizza in the District! //

 // A very nice man offered to take our photo as Jon was pulling the car closer to the visitors center. It was such a sunny day, and I think he captured this shot perfectly! //

// Proud papa. //

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, "The temple is a point of intersection between heaven and earth. In this sacred place, holy work will be performed through selfless service, and love. The temple reminds me of all that is good, and beautiful in this world." 

I'm so grateful for the temples that are built upon this earth that strengthens, and binds us together as eternal families. Sierra is going to experience a lot as she departs to the Philippines to share the joy that comes from the Lord, the goodness that's inside of her, and the reason behind what helps her stand firm. The gospel of Jesus Christ is what helps us hang on to the modern chaos that occurs in the world, and as President Hinckley stated... going to the temple is one thing that helps us to remember that life is beautiful. 

For spiritual inspiration read this. 

Here's to a great weekend! 

One Last Hurrah Before Her Mission.

I tell ya, no matter what life throws at us January just keeps getting better and better. I love how this year has begun with Sierra getting her mission call, and in spite of our van breaking down recently we are extremely grateful for generous friends to be lending us their car until we fix ours. 

With Sierra leaving in February, and since we won't be able to fly out to Utah to see her off at the MTC in Provo we decided she'd fly out to Jersey for one last hurrah. Not only to spend quality time with us, but to receive her endowments at the temple as well. 

She arrived yesterday, and the first thing she wanted to do was grab some grub at Waffle House. Just the two of us! We didn't get to take her on her last visit, and being the cool mom that I am drove out to the closest one which is in Maryland, and granted her request. 

Her siblings are always happy to see her, and in all honesty it feels as if she was just here yesterday. There are days when I feel she is still living here. The fact that she still has some of her stuff here reminds me that she is. We love her presence, and the spirit that she brings into our home. Oh the people in the Philippines are going to adore her! 

With her leaving next month there is so much for her to do with so little time, but pretty much has accomplished a few things since quitting her job, and before flying out to see us. One thing I'm excited for her is the opportunity she'll have to finally enter the temple with us, and for her to be here for both of her sisters birthdays. It is going to be a busy weekend for us, but are going to make this one last visit with her count before she is off for 18 months! 

I am so thankful for this time we get to spend with her, and look forward to her adventures once she departs, and begins her mission. 

Hope 2016 continues to be a great one, and if it has started off with sadness, bad news, or any kind of negativity remember to always think positive, and keep going! We are all in this together! 

Happy Wednesday! 

Mission Call Accomplished: The Philippines.

For the past four months we have patiently been waiting for Sierra to get her mission call, and this past weekend she finally received it! Things happen for good reasons and I'm telling you, when it he comes to heavenly father's plan, everything works out, and there is no denying that He is in charge of our life. I know that everything He has planned out for our daughter is meant to be, and have faith that it'll be in His hands. Words cannot express how excited we are for our sweet Sierra to soon be on the Lord's errand. 

Goodness...I still have butterflies! The day I posted this photo on Instagram I received a call from Sierra later that evening letting me know that she received an envelope that read from the office of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She asked if that could be the envelope with her mission call inside, and I said if it's an eight by ten, white big envelope then yes, that's it! She exclaimed, "it is!", and her dad was like yes! You should've heard the excitement and anxiousness in her voice as we were talking about it. She was so excited to have finally received it. I seriously thought she was going to hyperventilate! I told her to take deep breaths, and that it'll be great news! I asked her if she wanted to wait until Sunday to open it but was so eager to open it that evening. I don't blame her. This waiting game was played for too long, and she totally deserved to open it the day she received it! 

She quickly called a few friends, and they soon gathered with the family at her grandparents house where she's been living since she left Jersey. Because of the two hour time difference she wanted to announce it at approximately 8pm which is 10pm where we live. The only person we were waiting for was her sister Lexie. She was at a birthday party, and luckily it ended at 10 so that she could be home for this exciting event! In no way would she announce it without her sidekick. Lexie finally came home, and we all gathered in front of the computer to await the big news.

Technology is so awesome! It's so nice to be able to see her surrounded by people that love, and support her, and I'm so grateful that she wasn't alone while opening her call. She was so nervous that she couldn't even open the envelope. She had her grandma open it for her because her fingers were shaking! She was that thrilled/excited/enthusiastic/nervous! Name it, she was that adjective. 

Her voice was literally shaking when she announced her call, and for a minute there I thought she was going to faint! The sound in her voice when she mentioned where she'll be serving is proof to me that she decided this all on her own motive and that she is so ready and willing to serve the lord with all her heart, mind, mind, and strength! We are so excited for her, and know that she is on the right track in her life, and that this is where she's supposed to be in her life right now. And that is to serve a church mission. My feelings right now is euphoric, and I still can't seem to get rid of these butterflies in my stomach! It's surreal and I just can't get over it. I've just never experienced this...you know, having a child leaving for 18 months to serve God. I mean, I met the sister missionaries while I was investigating the church, and they totally helped change my life, and to know that our daughter will be doing the same things is so, so, humbling to me! 

I've realized the sacrifices we are going to make so that she will be able to serve, and my thoughts right now are focused on nothing but positivity, joy, but most of all faith. I know that the Lord will guide, and take care of her, and that there is no need for us to worry. I will have to get used to not facetimeing her every other day, texting, and calling her. We'll be okay, and it's a good thing I love to write because she'll be getting good mail every week or so. She reports to the MTC on February 10th which means we have to prepare quickly. She will be getting her passport today, and are looking forward for her to come to our neck of the woods to get her endowments at the DC temple. She sure has faced obstacles in her life, and that is something that she'll be able to apply in her life as she serves, and take what she has learned with her. I know that she'll be guided to those whom she will relate to, and understand their needs. Sierra has a big heart filled with so much compassion. She is going to be amazing! We are so proud of her and the decision she has made to serve The Lord. 

She is has so much of her dad in her when it comes to "being an official missionary" and we are so excited for this chapter to begin in her life as well as ours and to see her prosper, and grow in the gospel while sharing it with the people in the Philippines.

This truly is an amazing start to our 2016. 

See...I was right. Good things do come to those who wait!