I love to see the temple...

Saturday morning was absolutely incredible because I got to go through the temple! What made it even more special was that Darci and I got to go through together. What a blessing! We had so many past leaders, friends, and family come and support us. It was overwhelming to be surrounded by such love. I am so grateful for those wonderful ladies and the influences they've had in my life. I know I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Well, ladies and gentlemen... tomorrow is the day! At exactly 10:30 am I will be on a plane with my mom to Salt Lake! Holy cow I am freaking out. And let's be real...Niagara Falls is going to FLOOD the entire Dallas/Forth Worth airport. Of all the heart wrenching, terribly difficult goodbyes I've had to endure, I pride myself in saying I have not shed a single tear. But even if I had the self control of Chuck Norris...I know that there is nothing I can do to prevent the inevitable floodgates from opening tomorrow morning. It's gonna get ugly. Buuuut that's part of growing up, right? It sucks.

Goodbyes are hard, but I know it's all worth it. And 18 months can't take TOO long. I'll be back in a flash, don't miss me. I just have to take care of some business in Alaska. ;)

Oh and let me just say...packing blows. Seriously. I've been avoiding it like the plague. I've had my two giant red suitcases sitting outside my room for weeks and I've just been progressively piling more and more clothes and nick knacks in it that I want to take...but nothing is even CLOSE to organized. My mom is so not having it. She wants every nook and cranny folded, tucked away, and safely stored. Why can't I just shove it all in, sit on top, zip it up, and deal with my consequences of unpacking at the MTC like every other irresponsible kid? COME ON, MOM.

I'm sure I'll thank her OCD organization when I'm at the MTC. And I'll miss it! Truthfully... I have no idea what I would do without my mom. I would be sooooo lost right now. Sometimes I feel completely helpless and she just takes the reigns and gets things done. She's hemmed my floor dragging dresses, gathered all my important documents (which I was clueless about), spent hours upon hours helping me pick out all the essential clothes I needed for mission. And on top of all of that, she's been my spiritual rock. I'm so grateful for her in my life. My mom rules.

Well I need to get back to packing. Yay! Keep me in your thoughts and prayers, I report Wednesday! Almost there! Thank you for every ones love and support, it means so much. Love you all!

Sister Hallmark

Seven Shmeven

I leave in SEVEN days. But who's counting. The final week is here....I never thought it would come.

This last week could easily be summed up by several words beginning with an S...

1. Shopping
2. Stressing
3. Studying
4. Sleeping
5. Stressing
6. Saying goodbye
7. Sobbing
8. Stressing
9. Stressing
10. Stressing


SO MUCH TO DO. Seriously. And right as this moment I'm calm as a cucumber. Which stresses me out. Because I should be stressing!

I've shopped till I dropped, studied harder than I ever have in my life, and have prayed a MILLION prayers. I still feel completely inadequate and SO unprepared...but I know the lord will make the difference. As long as I have the spirit with me, I can't go wrong.

And this concludes my first post, short and sweet. I will keep this updated weekly so come take a peek every Monday. Life in Alaska will get cray cray. I'm so excited to share my experiences with you all. :)


Until next week!
Sister Hallmark