Day 18 Jamee

Jamee

Here's a girl who is tough as nails. She has been through a lot in her life and is that much stronger for it. She is an example of resilience and unconditional love. We have definitely had our rough spots and we definitely don't see eye to eye on many things, but I know she always has my back and will be there no matter what. She loves her family and will defend them fiercely. I hope she can see the influence she has on people and recognizes the power she has for good in her own life as well as in the lives of others. Jamee Suzanne Marie Lou Sue Lynn, I love you!

Day 17 Nick

Nick

Sometimes you meet friends in the most unlikely places. And sometimes they are just what you need. Nick has helped me see my faults, but hasn't held them against me. He has listened to me complain endlessly, listened to me talk about fabric more than any man should have to and has given me the chance to change for the better. You can never have too many friends who really care for you, and I'm glad to count him as my friend.

Day 16 Bishop Larsen

Bishop Larsen

I don't recall ever having a bishop who loves the members of his ward as much as Bishop Larsen. He truly cares about who you are and what you are going through and it radiates from him. He is always so sincere in what he says. I will never look at a seed or hear a seed reference without thinking of him. He is a true example of Christlike love. He has been a blessing to me personally and to my singles ward. Thank you for your love for God and your love for me.

Day 15 Denae

Denae

Every missionary should have a companion that they just love. Hopefully they are lucky enough to have a few great ones, like I did, but I'm talking about that companion who just gets you. You not only get along and work well together, but you have fun together and you don't find yourself constantly wishing you could just be by yourself. Denae was that companion for me. She worked hard and she played hard. She encouraged me but got it when you had those really crappy days. She set the bar high for the rest of my companions. :) Her testimony was and is a beacon to me.

She is one of the most creative and dedicated people I know. She has talent coming out her ears and she shares it with those around her. She has let me into her life and the life of her little family and I love it. Not that she has much choice, I was quite instrumental in the forming of that family. ;) But all kidding aside, I love her for the companion she was to me and for the friend she is to me now. Cheesehead, te quiero!

Day 14 Aubrey

Aubrey

You hear stories of college roommates that become best friends for life. I definitely had dreams of finding a kindred spirit in college and while I had some great roommates I didn't have any that fit the bill for the bosom friend I had been dreaming of. Lucky for me I had media services. Probably one of my favorite jobs I've ever had. I worked with good people there, made some great memories, and I made new friends. Most of them are like the majority of my friends, good people, who I like to read about on Facebook, but who I'm not likely to get together with when we're in the same town, probably won't send them a birthday card and really they're mostly just acquaintances now. But then there is Aubrey. For whatever reason, our friendship stuck. She was the kindred spirit I was hoping for as I embarked on the college adventure.

We've been on trips together, lived in Alaska together, made music videos together. We go to activities together, we chat about life and I just think she's the greatest. Aubrey is one of the funnest people I know. She loves to try new things and go new places. She is so outgoing and I often wish that I had even half the flirting skills that she has. We have laughed together and cried together and I'm so grateful she has stuck with me the last 12 years. College was good to me, if for no other reason than the fact that I got Aubrey as a friend.

Day 13 Camille

Camille

For a girl who was never my actual mission companion, this girl taught me so much and continues to do so. From my very first day in the mission, we were connected. I didn't see that until 6 months later, but as I took her spot in the Canary Islands and was greeted by a welcome card from a sister I had never met, I knew, she was something special. That was confirmed to me as I listened to members and investigators alike talk about Hermana Johnson. And then I got to meet her. We were put in the same house. She was whitewash training (which would be my next lot in life) and I was trying to figure out how to be the senior companion in an area I didn't know.

She taught me so much about myself. About letting myself change. She was everyone's biggest cheerleader and continues to be. She can make any person feel like they are the most important person. She faces life with an enthusiasm that makes me tired just watching. She loves God and she loves his children. I saw it in Spain and I continue to see it as she lives her life daily reaching out to those around her.

It should be noted that we are drinking Sprite

 

Day 12 Mission

Mission People (specifically fellow missionaries)

This is much broader than the rest. I had the opportunity to have dinner with an elder from my mission and his wife and their little baby. It was so great to catch up with them and just enjoy time together. For me it wasn't awkward at all, even though I haven't seen this elder in such a long time. Another elder sent me a text the other day, just saying hi and asking how I was doing.

I learned so much from the other missionaries I got to interact with. From mission companions, to district and zone leaders, to the mission president and his wife, I was blessed to meet truly inspiring people who love God. I have so many fond memories and great friendships from my 18 months in Spain. Friendships that are based on something so tender and yet so difficult, that even though I don't see them much, are still strong because of the foundation they are built on. Service to Jesus Christ and his church is a bond that's hard to break, even with time and distance.