In which: My sister leaves for Arizona adventures

My baby sister is going on a mission for our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for eighteen months in Tucson, Arizona. Even though she will only be a car ride away, she can't call, except on Christmas and Mother's Day, and she can only email one day a week. I am so excited for her and proud of her for going on this brave adventure. Scott and I picked her up from the airport last night.

I took a blurry photo of her as we drove by to pull over, then one of us together. I want to remember everything about the next 15 hours, because after this, I won't get to spend time with her for over a year.

After breakfast at the Village Inn and browsing at the fabric store, we video chatted with my mom and sister who are at a family reunion at the Oregon coast. 

The four of us girls! I can't believe that we won't get to be all together or talk all together until Christmas. 

I didn't cry at all, and I didn't think I would until she asked me to say a prayer before we left. As soon as I began to speak, and said the word "grateful," it was over. I felt amazing gratitude and love for my sister, and for the brave journey she is beginning today. I felt the emmence power of God's love for her and knew that He was proud of her too. I knew without a doubt that he would care for my sister while she is away and use this experience to help her become the woman she is meant to be. 

Curbside at the Provo, UT Missionary Training Center

Elder Hall was her host, took her suitcases and whisked her away to start her first day in the MTC

See you later, Sister Grange!

And now, here I am. A weepy mess on my living room couch. Write soon, little sister.