I loved the time I had to eat, breathe and sleep the gospel. Each time I read the Book of Mormon and the Bible gave me a stronger assurance that the Lord lives, that he loves us and that we will return to live with him someday if we follow his commandments. That's another thing I discovered on my mission (when I was truly converted) is that everything is conditional. The blessings come if we are living right. But that doesn't change the fact that the Lord loves us and he is always ready and willing to give us all the blessings he has to offer.
Each companion, missionary, member and mission president had an impact on my life for the better. My mission pushed me to reach towards my greatest potential. I was never so sure of my life, my purpose, my reason for being. When you are unaffected by the media, the world, and obligations other than to teach people, you become something better. And I'd take that something over the media any time.
I bring this up because when I see people from my mission, I think of all of those memories attached... those memories that pull at my heart strings and are such tender memories that I'm almost brought to tears just thinking about them.
Last week, one of my companions got married. She wasn't just a companion. She was the companion. I loved all of my areas, and I couldn't express how I feel to you about each of my companions. But Sister Wilson became my best friend. And everyone knew it, including the members.
There are some companions that you like because you have to, there are those companions that you just work with, go through the motions with, and have some good times with in the process. But then there are some that change your mission. Those that you just want to be around all the time because they are just good people. Amanda was one of those. When we first met each other at a zone conference a few months before we were put together, we both thought, "I want to be her companion." Later, on a certain P-day as we were trying to write home (I emphasize trying because we weren't succeeding much... we just couldn't manage to stop talking), she said something to the effect of, "I just want to be in the same room with you all the time because I don't want to miss anything!" There are too many memories to share... but each of them have had an impact on me.
Amanda always kept me laughing - and some of my best memories are with her as my companion. The best companionships are always the shortest - and I daresay it was a fateful day when we got the call from our district leader telling us we were being split up. I have a perfect recollection of it still. Just a week later when we saw each other unexpectedly at a joint-district meeting, I think we were just a bit over-dramatic as we ran across the room and embraced, crying. I think everyone, including the mission president who was there at the time, thought we were crazy.
About seven months later, we were both scheduled to go home on the same day, which made saying goodbye to the mission a bit easier for both of us. We went through it together, getting about 2 hours of sleep the night before we came home.
She is from Salt Lake, so that made things easier for both of us also. She liked Chris right away and she was a bridesmaid in my wedding. She met her husband now around the time we got home, and she was just married on Friday in the Salt Lake temple.
Thursday night was the wedding dinner.
Dane and Beth Thurston just moved up here, they are members of the Selma ward where Amanda and I served. They are some of my favorite people who took care of us while were were there. They always made us laugh and I will never forget the memories from being in their home. I'm so glad they were able to come!
Me with Dane and Beth
Me and Beth
And the Becks.... my second mission president and wife.
They just returned in July from Fresno.
Oh, how I love these people.
They have definitely changed my life for the better.
The Wedding Day
Amanda and her new husband Jeff, coming out of the temple
Amanda and I after the ceremony
On the steps for pictures
Amanda's adorable nephew Tosin...
I just love this picture.
The Reception
at the Lion House
Me, Amanda and Marie - also one of Amanda's companions.
Four out of about nine bridesmaids...
Malea, Annalee, Marie and I
My family came, and that was fun. Being a companion of Amanda's, I didn't know very many people. There were a couple of people from California that came, only because they live here now.
Me and my sister Heather
Me and my cute niece Cessna
Her handsome brother Lance looking sharp with
a tie on for the first time, held by my dad
The end of the night
The flower girls carrying the train
Fitting the big dress in the jeep
Driving away...
...In their cute decorated jeep.
I'm so happy for them both. I love you Amanda.
I wish you nothing but the best!
