Adieu, Adieu

Aren't we the cutest?

Guess what?

This girl had her farewell today!

It was a bittersweet day, but I will say I'm getting better at the whole thing.

I've had plenty of practice I guess.

She did a great job though! 

Seriously.

It is pretty surreal having your sister up there.

Honestly, I don't know what to think.

I still don't.

I'm numb about it.

Probably because I knew this was coming.

I would have been more surprised if she didn't decide to go on a mission, really.

So there was no surprise element.

But she is my only sister, and she leaves in 10 days.

And for 4 of those, I'll be in Logan for finals.

I will be home Thursday to celebrate my last 6 with her.

My mind literally cannot wrap my head around that thought.

I think, I've gotten a little taste of what it will be like without a sister since I'm in Logan and she's not,

but it is nothing to what it really will be.

So this is the beginning.

The beginning of a lot of lasts.

a lot of tears.

a lot of precious moments.

a lot of pictures.

a lot of hugs.

a lot of change.

But, I know that she will be back.

I would never what her to be anywhere but in Fort Worth for the next 18 months.

Seriously.

I am so freakin' happy for her.

She has been an amazing sister.

She has taught me so much.

And honestly, I don't think she even knows how much I do and have always looked up to her.

She is the oldest and has to do a lot of hard things first and most of the time, I just follow the lead.

She is a perfect example.

She is determined.

Smart.

Strong-willed.

The whole thing.

Her choosing to go on a mission has been one of the greatest examples to me.

Mallory is one of those people who knows what she believes and that will never change.

But she isn't one to strike up a conversation about it because she is just so excited about it.

Like Missionaries do.

But, things have changed lately. She is more open to her beliefs. She more openly stands up for what she knows to be true. 

She faithfully studies her scriptures and says her prayers every night.

By her just preparing to serve has been an example.

I can't imagine how much she will grow in Fort Worth.

She will be a great missionary.

Seriously.

I don't even have a hard time picturing it.

It's there.

It will be natural for her.

Yes, it will be a challenge. It will be a test of faith and of her testimony.

But it will prove that she can do hard things.

She has prepared for this.

She is ready to help spread the gospel to all the world.

Of that, I am sure.

I am also sure I will miss her stinkin' guts.

I don't know what I will do without a sister at home, or when I have to be the oldest and be the example to my brothers.

(Maybe I can take over the "favorite sister" role for a little??)

I'm sure I will have my days, as everyone waiting for missionaries to return do, but I am at peace having a sure knowledge that Fort Worth is where she is supposed to be.

Not at home.

Not at school.

Not at a phone calls reach.

Or at a sure place that I could talk with her.

But she will be doing something more important.

The gospel needs her more.

I am so grateful that I have a sister that is used as an instrument in the Lords hands in such a huge way.

"The field is white and [she] is ready to harvest it" 

Her farewell just was more proof of all of these things.

She did an amazing job and touched so many people already.

I can't wait to see what she can do in 18 months.

I love you so much sister.

Thank you for everything.