Home for the Holidays

I sure do love getting to spend a little over a month back at home in good ol' WV. I've been keeping pretty busy ever since I got home.I've also gotten to spend a lot of time cooking, cleaning, and wrapping. Just trying to help my poor mother out as much as I can.  I've gotten a lot of opportunity to share the gospel and to get in the service mood. (Something I am really grateful for - especially at this wonderful time of the year). I got to give a talk in Sacrament and teach the lesson in YW on my first Sunday back to church at home. I wanted to share a little bit of that talk now, even though it's a little late:

"I have to admit that my family is no exception to the stereotypical busy Christmas season. We do the shopping, the trees, the lights, leave cookies out for Santa, buy matching pajamas, siblings all sleep in the same room Christmas Eve, and we can’t forget the annual picture at the top of the stairs before opening gifts – it’s such a fun time. It is at this most busy time, in between the gift giving and parties that we need to make a special effort to remember and commemorate the real reason for the season.

The Christmas season is a time to celebrate the priceless gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His birth, which we commemorate during this season, is more than the symbol of a holiday. He is the Son of God, the Redeemer of all mankind, the King of kings, the Prince of Peace, and our joy and salvation. Without the Savior coming into the world, the Plan of Salvation would have been void and we would never be able to return into the presence of our Heavenly Father or be able to be with our families after this life. Mortal life would be the end of any happiness, for we would be unworthy to enter into any level of Heaven. Thankfully, our Savior loved us enough to live a perfect life and later to go through all of the pains and suffering that anyone in the on earth would ever feel so that we can, through our Savior, be worthy to enter back into the presence of God. This Christmas season will have a greater meaning as we seek to follow His example and live His teachings."

I got to attend the Temple on the 22nd and received my endowments! One step closer to being able to go out and serve the Lord for the next year and 1/2. I can't believe that in less than a month, I will be in the MTC. It's going by so fast! 

Christmas was amazing! I got a lot of the stuff that I needed for the mission including my new luggage, books, a camera, and all of that good stuff! Thanks Mom and Dad! :)

 The next month will be a busy one for me. I've got some major skirt shopping and Preach My Gospel reading to do. I'll make sure to keep you all posted.

My Missionary

I got my package from Landon at the beginning of the week, but he told me that I wasn't allowed to open it until Christmas Eve. Although it was hard to wait, it was so worth it. Let me just brag a little about what he got me. This beautiful hat and scarf, earrings, a bracelet, and a tape! Otherwise, I got to SKYPE HIM TODAY!!!!! (Which happened to be my favorite Christmas present of all time!) It was just for a few minutes, but it was so amazing. Nothing has changed, really. We picked up right where we left off. We laughed and cried and all that jazz.

He is doing so incredibly well. He loves the work and the Italian people. Him and his companion seem to have people come and find them, something that is super rare with him being in a European country. I couldn't be more proud of him and all of the hard work that he is doing. I love him to pieces, I really do.

 

Exciting News!!!!!!!!

While being interviewed by my Bishop and Stake President yesterday to get my Temple recommend, I asked about the possibility of going out on my mission a little early so that I would be back in time to start that fall semester (I would have barely missed it by 3 weeks). Also, I would be sitting around at home doing nothing for 3 months. Don't get me wrong, I'd be more than happy to get to spend so much time with my family, but I would be missing out on a lot of school time. So, the Stake President said he thought that he could help me out. He said he would make a few phone calls and get back to me within the week. He called me this morning and my MTC entrance date has been moved forward to January 23, 2013. I am so excited. This is actually when I had hoped that I would leave! 

Life

How's it going with me? Honestly, It's been a rough past few weeks. There has been a lot of drama going on in my life, but I guess that happens to everyone every once in a while. My wonderful puppy even got hit by a car over the break..it was hard. However, thanks to my wonderful mother and friends back home, I have been able to get through it all. I also had a wonderful opportunity over Thanksgiving break to spend a lot of time with my mom, some of my aunt's and uncles, and even got to go visit Landon's family.   

My mom and I were driving pretty close to where they lived and I thought it would be great if I could see their family and if they got to meet my mom. So, on our way to Boise to visit my family, we stopped through to see him wonderful family. I was afraid at first that maybe it would be awkward for me to be there without him, but boy was I wrong! It felt just like my second home - exactly how it did when I would go there to see Landon. Landon's dad, whom usually doesn't have a whole lot to say to me, talked to me for over an hour about my mission because I am going to his mission - SUCCESS!!!! We have a bonding point now! I had such a great time getting to catch up on all of the stories that I've missed since I was there about 7 months ago. I felt a little nostalgic though, not going to lie. I even cried when it came time to leave. I am really going to miss the feeling of being so close to him as well as being around his amazing family.

(note to missionary girlfriends: if you are feeling distant from your missionary, visiting his family is a wonderful way to feel suddenly much closer. Landon was pretty thrilled with it too)

After all of that fun times, my mom and I also got to visit with a bunch of different missionaries that had served in our ward back home as well as some old family friends. I even got to meet my cousins who I had never gotten to meet before.

How's it going in Piacenza?

 Landon is doing so incredibly well. He is just completely engulfed in the work.

His letters and even my newest tape haven't really given me anything that I can share, no good stories or anything. I would share some more pictures, but I haven't even gotten many of those in a while. So, you'll just have to trust me when I say that they are working hard and loving every minute of it. He gets along really well with his current companion and they are having such wonderful success. He says that people seem to be coming to find them so much that they barely have to go out looking. I love hearing how his testimony grows each and every week. 

What's next for me?

Well, I don't have much time left before the mission now. Next week is final's week, so I'm trying to get myself ready for all of that. Otherwise, I'm just doing a lot of packing and saying goodbyes. I won't get to see a lot of my friends for a very long time. I have also been working hard to get myself spiritually prepared to serve the Lord full time. This is such an incredible opportunity that I know I can't take for granted. I feel so blessed for this opportunity to share something that is so extremely important to me with so many people. I am going to have a greater opportunity to tell the world about Heavenly Father's love for His children and His wonderful plan of salvation. I can share with so many that families really can be together forever. I can give them the answers to life's hardest question of where we come from, why we are on the earth, and where we are going. I love this gospel. I love my Savior. 

Suggestions for the Holiday Season 

More than usual, the holiday season is a time to show the love we have for the Savior and for those around us. While it can be so easy to get caught up in the gift-giving aspects of Christmas, try to do something to bring the focus back to what is truly important. This is a time to remember and celebrate the Savior of the world's birth. With all the hustle and bustle of the season, make sure to make a little time to REMEMBER the greatest gift we have been given - Heavenly Father's own Son come to pay for our sins and all of the pains we will endure during this life. And, more importantly, take the time to share this gift with others.

Well, that's it for now! Write again soon! 

Wisdom Teeth Removal

Boy am I glad that is over! Ok, I can't lie, I did get pretty lucky. The oral surgeon that removed my wisdom teeth did really well and it went super fast. Afterwards, my cousin, the lovely Allie Harrison, got some wonderful videos for you all to enjoy!

I am thinking you all would enjoy watching these much more than you would want to read about my experience. I was only in pain once and for a very short period of time. I am so grateful for the wonderful priesthood holders that I have around to have given me a blessing before I went in. I really do think it made all of the difference!

Called to Serve

Another exciting bit of information is that I received my mission call today!!!! I can't believe that a few months ago I didn't think I was going to get the opportunity and now I am!

Dear Sister Perry:
You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the California Los Angeles Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.
You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, March 6, 2013. You will preparet o preach the gospel in the Spanish language 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAhfzPL-GWk

 You can go here to watch it! 

I am so incredibly excited to serve the Lord. I know that this is what He wants of me and can't wait to share the gospel to the people of California!

Things in Italy

Everything with Landon is going really well. I didn't hear much from him in his email today because he couldn't stay on long. I am still waiting for my package with a tape for more in depth info! 

 

 

  

Waiting Time!

I've gotten a lot accomplished in the past few weeks. Mission papers all done!

Physical and dental appointments complete!

Contract sold!

Interviews finished!

Papers being submitted tonight!

Holy cow! I cannot believe that less than a month ago, I was not really planning on going on a mission and now I could be entering the MTC in a couple of months. I can't believe that within two weeks, I will know where I am going. I feel so extremely blessed that Heavenly Father has opened up a way for me to go out and serve him as a full-time missionary. I know that my Redeemer lives and that He loves each and every one of us. I know that He has a plan for our lives and I cannot wait until I get to share that plan with other! 

Fun Stuff To Come

So, while getting my dentist appointment, I found out that I have to get my wisdom teeth taken out...something my pediatric dentist back home told me that I wouldn't have to get done. Luckily for any of you who consistently read my blog, my wonderful roommates have promised videos and pictures whenever this occurs. 

Also, my mission papers should be here within the next two weeks. Since my family will not be here, I am planning on some major Google chatting so they can all be a part of opening my call. I am also gonna tape it and send the whole experience to Landon so he can feel a part of it. 

In less than a month, my Mom is going to come in town. While she's here, we are going to get to visit some of my family out in this area and Landon's family! I am so excited. I don't know if I have been this excited for an entire month in a really long time! 

  

About My Missionary

Landon and I just made it to our one year mark of dating! I couldn't feel more lucky to have such a wonderful guy come into my life. I am so proud of him and the work that he is doing and can't wait to get out there in the mission field with him!

 Landon is doing really well. He loves his new companion, who is from Virginia. He said they laugh together all of the time. They have been teaching tons of investigators and having wonderful success. In the past week, two of his investigators who had been living together got married! One step closer to baptism!
I love to hear how his testimony is growing with each and every week that he is out there.

 I am still waiting on a package from here to get here with my tape in it! I am so excited. 

I can't lie and say that I haven't been missing him like crazy, but I couldn't be more proud of him for the service that he is doing.

Missionary girlfriends: don't forget to let your fellas know how proud you are of them. They need to hear it. 

 

Well, that's it for now! I'll give more information soon!

I Hope They Call Me On a Mission

Mission papers are coming along swimmingly. I have everything done now except for my dentist appointment and my Bishop and Stake President's appointments. I feel pretty accomplished. I had tons of papers online to fill out once I first talked to my Bishop. I was pretty excited so, I finished just about all of those that first night! 

The Physical: Ok, girls...if you are going on a mission and are about to get your physical. Read over the papers before you go in so you know what to expect when you go in there. I didn't and so I was kind of freaked out. I thought they'd just check my heart and all that jazz. They can be ridiculously overwhelming if you  don't know what to expect. Thankfully, my dearest roommate went with me to help me get through the traumatizing experience!

That mean doctor even took my blood and gave me a shot.... It was not fun, but will be so worth it when I get to go out there and serve the Lord! 

Dentist Appointment: should be much less traumatizing than my physical. I have it set for this Wednesday. 

  

Other Appointments : I have both my Bishop and Stake President's appointments set up for this following Sunday. After those, they can submit my papers and I should be able to to have my call within two weeks of that. It's so crazy. 

The Lord Will Provide a Way

There have been so many different things that could have possibly kept me from going on a mission, especially since I am not required to go. There was my student loan, my housing contract, and paying for my mission. Everything is falling into place. I figured out how to defer payments on my student loans until I get home, found a girl to take over my housing contract without causing me any penalties, and have figured out how to pay for at least most of my mission. My family is the greatest. So many of my Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, my wonderful parents, family friends, and even my siblings have offered to help out. Missions aren't cheap - $400 a month, but I'm well on my way to finding people willing to help out. I couldn't feel more grateful for the wonderful people that I have in my life. 

The mission process can be slightly overwhelming as well, especially if you didn't expect it. But, it is so amazing! I love that I will be out serving the Lord full time pretty soon. I'm especially excited that one of my best friends (and cuz) just got his mission call this past week. Daniel Harrison is going to the Riverside, CA mission. He will report to the MTC on December the 19th! 

How Are Things With My Anziano?

Landon is just enjoying the service. His companion had a surprise transfer and so now he has a new one. He's keeping really busy with lessons and such. His emails don't have too much information in them, so I'll put more on whenever I get my next tape. But, he's doing really well. He keeps telling me how much he can't wait for me to be out in the mission field with him! It's going to be so amazing to share our stories back and forth.

Ok, for Missionary Girlfriends
At some points, the letters can start to be a little monotonous. Don't get my wrong, I love getting letters, but there will be times when they get a little dry and nothing new is in them. Don't get discouraged. Keep being supportive. Your fella most likely isn't forgetting about you or loving you any less, they are just engulfed in the work, which is how they are supposed to be. Eventually, he will have so many amazing stories to tell me! Sometimes it just takes a while for them to come along. If you ever start feeling super lonely, call you mom! My mom has helped me out a ton! If you don't want to call your mom, just keep yourself busy. Engulf yourself in the scriptures. With Christ, you are never alone even when you feel like it. 

Alright, this is it for now. I will write again soon. Maybe before I get my call, maybe right after!  

 

The Game Changer

I'm going on a mission! For those of you who don't really understand how or why this sudden change, let me share a clip from this past General Conference. The Prophet, Thomas S.  Monson authorized young men to leave for their missions at the age of 18 (after high school graduation) and also lowered the age of sister missionaries from 21 to 19!  

I have always wanted the opportunity to serve a mission, I just didn't think it would happen because girls are not required and, well, you know....marriage is a great call too. I feel so blessed. Now I will get to go out and serve the Lord as well! As soon as I heard, I knew what I wanted/needed to do. There is so much work to be done at this time and I, as a disciple of the Lord, need to do my part! 

Side note: girls, I'm not suggesting that you've got to go or anything. On the contrary. I know that we are not required. If you feel it is right and that the Lord desires this of you, then go!

One of the most exciting parts about this is that I will get to be out in the mission field at the same time as Landon. I most likely won't be called to Italy (which would be sooooooo amazing), but I don't care. I am just so grateful for this chance to serve.

I am now attempting to get my missionary papers in as soon as possible so hopefully I'll get back around the same time as Landon! 

1. interview with the Bishop (get link to online forms)

2. fill out paperwork (physicals, dental papers, ect)

3. meet with Bishop again for a second interview

4. meet with Stake President                           

5. submit papers                                         

6. Wait for the call                                 

I'm just getting started, but you better believe it won't take me too long. My mom is helping all she can.

For any non-members reading this: missionaries pay for their own missions. Since I never thought that I would get the chance to serve a mission, I have not been saving up any money. I was so sad to think I still wouldn't be able to go. But, the Lord will prepare a way for his work to move along. Some of my wonderful family members have offered to help my father pay a little every month so that I can go. I honestly do feel so blessed. Thanks to everyone in that category! I'll never be able to repay you for this great opportunity!

Piacenza Italy

Landon just had his first transfer to a new area. He is now serving in Piacenza Italy. He's only been there for a week, but he is loving it and says that it is so beautiful. He loves his companion and says that they are getting along really really well.

 He also got transferred into the area with 9 baptismal dates set,which thrilled him because he had left just about that many behind in Bustro Arsizio. He hasn't said much else other than that yet, so I'll have to update you when I find out!

Time for the Missionary Girlfriend Stuff

  Things are going really well. I'm still doing the hang out thing, but I've always got Landon on my mind. Somehow, even though he's gone, he's still my best friend. He is still the person I talk to about everything (well, the important stuff at least). I get one letter a week and send him one as soon as I get that. Wednesdays are the best days of my entire week because it's email day! 

I've just been keeping busy too. School, homework, roommates, friends, and I'm starting a new job at the end of the week! Adding on all of this stuff for my mission papers, and I'm completely booked! 

Ok, a few more edited pictures:

 

Well, that's everything for now! I'll make sure and let everyone know how the mission process is going!

 

So Far So Good

 Well, BYU is going just peachy. I am currently in some GE courses and two classes for my major. I am also in a RACQUETBALL class, yeah..be jealous.I love my schedule so much. Heavenly Father most definitely blessed me with a wonderful year so far. I can't even tell you how much I LOVE my major. I am learning a lot about Communication Disorders and how I can be a huge influence in the lives of all of those that I will get the opportunity to come in contact with. Right now I do a lot of studying, but I also get to waste a lot of time with my wonderful roommates. We are kind of goofy... Some nights, we'll just sit int he middle of the hallway laughing and talking. Our poor neighbors probably hate us! I love rooming with my best friends because you know that if you are ever upset about anything, they will do anything to make you feel better. I am so grateful to have them!
I am also really excited to be back at the Y for the wonderful spirit that you get to feel all of the time. We have devotionals every single Tuesday that are so uplifting and also get the privilege of hearing from General Authorities pretty often. Just this past Sunday, we got to hear a wonderful message from Elder Oaks in our regional conference. It's pretty incredible. Being in such an environment really helps you to keep a positive perspective in this difficult world. I really couldn't imagine going to any other University.

OK, Missionary Stuff

Yesterday was email day! It was a really good one too. Landon is doing super well. He and his companion are still having a little bit of difficulties getting along. They are working pretty well together though, so I guess that is really all that matters! The Lord will make weak things become strong, ya know? They are having a lot of success finding investigators. It is incredible to me how the Lord can just bring them to people who have been prepared to hear the message they have to share. 
Just wanted to share a little exert from his last email:
"Also, we were in one of the cities that's in our zone and we were going to go meet a black guy by the station but black people you cant nail down so i call him up and hes like o I'm not there I'm in a different city that is like 10 miles away i was like o well i knew this was going to happen. so we were about to leave and this lady comes up to us and stops us and her friend had a lot of questions about the church, and she was a less active member that I've never seen but i asked her to come to church and as she took the sacrament that she would be able to feel the spirit even stronger and answer his questions. I think that is my favorite part about my mission is that i can make people promises that i know are from God and then I can see the promises that i give them happen if they do what I tell them. Its really cool cause its not like a scriptural promise or anything like an if the statement its just the spirit telling me to say something to them. I've given people some pretty specific promises and it has been really really powerful."

I love to see his testimony grow each week as I email him. It makes my heart burn with excitement to see how his love for the gospel is growing.     

Missionary Girlfriends
Indeed, I am one of those weirdos -> 
That picture is of one of my bedroom walls. The clock is set to Landon's time so I can have a general idea of what he would be doing. I've also got my countdown and some pictures (134 days down today!) 
Ok girls: wanted to give an update on how it's been going waiting-wise. I have been going out a lot with a lot of different guys. I have had a wonderful past couple of months so far. No serious relationships or anything, but I have rekindled a lot of friendships with guy friends that have been wonderful. Plus, I'm learning a lot about myself by hanging out with a variety of people. 
For any of you having a difficult time, remember that this only lasts for a short while. Keep busy and don't hold yourself back. Whatever is meant to be will be no matter how long it takes. Gain a stronger relationship with your Heavenly Father. I don't think we can understand how extremely much He loves us. He wants us to be happy and will guide us whatever direction that may be.  

Back at BYU

At first it was really weird for me to be back at school because I was so used to having Landon around all of the time. Luckily, I have some of my best friends as roommates out here so they have helped me to feel happier about being out here without him. The key is to just keep yourself busy. I've been to school, dances, dates, just hung out in the apartment. This can be such an enjoyable time of your life! 
So, a little bit about me. I am kind of a nerd. I LOVE SCHOOL. This semester is especially nice because I'm starting to take classes that pertain to my major, which is Communication Disorders. I cannot even tell you how excited I am to be in this program. I have seen in many different instances how speech pathologists, audiologists, ect. can make a difference in people's lives and I am so stoked to be able to one day be part of it. My grandmother recently had a stroke and has been working with a speech pathologist to be able to re-learn how to do certain things that used to come naturally. While this is amazing, I'm hoping to take a little different route and be able to work with children. I always joke with people that my parents shouldn't have made me do so much homework when I was younger because I'm going to be playing for the rest of my life.

Coming up on 4 months

Ok, maybe enough about me. I know there are some people out there that do actually read my blog, but I'm not sure if they are people who are just trying to keep up in my life or if they just want to hear how it's going with me and my elder. So, I'll try to mix it up a little to attempt to keep people entertained.
Landon is doing pretty well. He's still working on adjusting to a new culture with a new language, but he seems to really be enjoying the work.
Quick note to missionary girlfriends: (especially for those who have missionaries out of the country) this isn't always easy for them. There are going to be times when they are going to get discouraged and maybe even want to come home. We have such a wonderful opportunity to support them and keep them out there so that they can become the best missionaries and men that they can be. This is such a wonderful work and there are so many people out there that your missionary can make a difference in their lives. Make sure that you continually pray for the spirit to be with them and to help them do all that they need to do. Write encouraging letters.If allowed, send tapes back and forth, but make sure you aren't too mushy.
Landon recently was asked by an investigator to confirm him as a member of the church! What a wonderful experience that was. Landon was also able to help a man who had gone astray from the church to come back and to once again be worthy to receive all of the blessings that the Lord has for his faithful servants. There is so much good being done out in the world and so much more to be done! It's so wonderful to see all of the service that is being done and to be part of it if only in a small way.
The gospel is true. The Book of Mormon contains the fullness of the restoration. Joseph Smith really did translate the Book of Mormon through the power of the Holy Ghost. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, everyone everywhere can be saved and return to live with their Heavenly Father for time and all of eternity. Jesus Christ lives and loves us with an infinite and unchanging love. This is such a wonderful message that we have and I hope that we all take the chances we have to share that. I know of the joy that the Gospel can bring to all of those who accept it.

In Bustro Arsizio

Long time no talk. Ok, first an update on Landon. He's doing super well.  When he first got out to Italy he was having a little bit of a difficulty adjusting. Missionaries get this idea of a glamorized mission in their heads and then get disappointed when they first get out there and it isn't quite what they expected. He's doing much better now though. 



 


 This is a picture of Landon with his Albanian companion. Despite barely being able to converse, they are getting along really well and doing wonderful work out there. I couldn't be more proud.


The pictures and stories that Landon sends home to me are hilarious. One day, their bike got stolen and they had to chase down this kid that had taken it. There have been a lot of highly entertaining stories pertaining to learning the language as well. 
It's so exciting being part of such an amazing experience even if it feels like I'm just on the sideline!

Now for my Note to other MG's
After a little while, you need to start living your life again. You can't shut yourself up forever. Finally, after about 3 months of Landon being gone, I accepted an invitation to go out on a date. At first, I felt like a cheat or something because in my mind, I didn't need to date at all while my missionary was gone. While that may be true, we need to be getting out and enjoying our lives. It's ok to go do things with new people. In fact, I'm pretty sure that is what you are supposed to do! Just know that this time of your life can and should be the best time. I was started to become something that I wasn't because I was afraid of having a social life without Landon. I was becoming somewhat of an anti-social shut in. DON\'T LET YOURSELF DO THAT! Now, I am out enjoying life to the fullest. 

Another bit of information: dating others now will allow you to know whether your missionary really is the one for you. Choosing someone to spend the rest of your life with is a big decision - be sure you've made the right choice.

Bragging Time

Now to brag a little bit about my amazing fella. Ok, so my birthday was very recently.I figured Landon would try to do something for me (because he is such a sweetie), but I knew it would be hard for him because he's on the other side of the world. But, he made this birthday more special than anyone that I've ever had! First, he sent me a beautiful flower arrangement with a little help from his wonderful mother (thanks Lynne!). He also had sent me a little package that he didn't expect to make it to me in time for my birthday. In the package was a tape (if you haven't had a missionary out, you may not understand the excitement felt when receiving one of these), some Italian chocolate, and the beautiful yellow scarf that is in the picture of me. Yeah, I know. He is AMAZING. I'm not really sure what I've done to be so lucky. 

How is it going with me?  
Things are going just swimmingly. I am not going to lie and say that I never cry because I miss Landon, but I don't nearly as often as I had expected. Honestly, I'm just too excited for him and the work that he is doing. I love to get his emails every Wednesday with pictures and funny stories. I had no idea how much joy I could find from that. I'm heading to BYU soon where time will definitely speed by. Only 4 months until I get to talk to him at Christmas!

Heading To The Area
Alright girls- for any of you about to get this amazing experience, I am jealous. I wish I could relive it again. Yesterday, Landon went to the Salt Lake airport early in the morning to catch his first flight to Chicago, from Chicago to London, and from London to Italy. The best part for me about this is that I GOT TO TALK TO HIM ON THE PHONE!! It was only for a little while, but I was just so excited to hear his voice and to be able to talk like a normal couple. My phone wasn't working well yesterday morning and I was terrified that when he called it wouldn't go through. I was up super early because I was too excited to sleep, so I went through all of the precautions to make sure he'd be able to get a hold of me. I called my phone 10 times myself, had friends do the same and even changed my voicemail specifically for him with another number to contact me if it didn't go through. Yeah, it was a little crazy, but I was not about to miss this chance. Everything was perfect. I was worried that things would be awkward since we hadn't gotten to talk for over two months and I was also kind of dreading the actual call because I knew it would be so long before I could hear from him like that again. When a random number called, I stopped breathing and quickly answered my phone - it was him! I started bawling as soon as I heard his voice. He said he wanted to cry too, but was pretending to be talking to his mom so that he didn't get teased. We just picked up where we left off, no awkwardness whatsoever. This was the best day of my summer hands down just because I got to hear from him (my family will prob get offended when they read this, so I apologize). He told me about the MTC and about how weird it was to finally be out of that bubble. After a few  minutes, it was time for him to go...way too fast for my liking. He did call me one more time when he was at the Chicago airport just to say he missed me and that we'd talk at Christmas...Only 5 months! 

First Area

Landon's mission president called his parents this morning and his sweetheart of a mother called to fill me in on the details. Landon is out tracting for his first time right at this very second. His first area is in a town called Bustro Arsizio (10 miles outside of Switzerland). His first companion is an Albanian guy who doesn't speak any English, as far as we know. Apparently the missionaries in this area find him to be a little different and slightly more hard to get along with mostly due to his different upbringing culturally. But the mission president thought Landon could handle being with him because when he was in the "get to know you" interview, Landon used the word blunt to describe himself.I never knew that I would get this excited about all of this stuff especially since I'm not the one actually out there doing it. I should start getting some more pictures and stories from Landon now that he's out of that MTC bubble, so I'll post when I get them. As for me, I am going to spend the next week (waiting for his P-day on Wednesdays) getting to know a little bit more about this area.
I'll post again soon!