Hermana McCombs

Well for the past week I have been at home preparing and packing for my mission. I finally got it all done the night before I left and I now have two 50 pound bags and one carry on. It's a lot of luggage! The beginning of the week was slow and then once I went through the temple on Friday it just sort of flew by. On Feb 26th I was able to go through the Los Angeles Temple (the Newport Beach temple is closer to us but it was closed the week I was home for cleaning). I am glad it worked out that way because I loved the LA temple I thought it was so beautiful! It was a great day and I am so grateful for my parents and Megan and Owen who drove up to come with me.

After the temple we all went to a Deli called Juniors and it was yummy, but the fun part was that we met Junior! I don't know if it was really his name but he was this old man in a cute little sweater with big black rimmed glasses. He walked up to everyones table and asked everyone how they were doing. It was so cute!

On Saturday it was sort of a catch up day for me and I got a little bit of packing done but not much. I found out that day about the earthquake in Chile and immediately thought of my two friends down there Paige and Brad. I worried about them until I found out they were alright. I know Heavenly Father needs me there now and all that time I have had to wait now was for a reason. When I first got my call I was so surprised with how far away it was! Opened my call in October and I wasn't leaving until March? Well now I know why! We really do get called to the places that need us. Just pray that I am still able to go down there and help out! Anyways, so on Saturday I wrote my talk which took hours! I honestly have been dreading giving my talk for the past 5 months because its like a "farewell" and its just scary. But I have been praying for peace and comfort and thats really what I got. I was a little nervous but not to the point I usually am where my mouth gets so dry I cant even talk. I know that obviously I will be doing a lot of speaking in the next 18 months too so I will get better and more comfortable with it. I am so grateful for the companionship of Heavenly Father through this whole process because I could not do it alone. After my talk I had to start with goodbyes, first was my cousin Alissa Jane, who drove all the way down from Rexburg for my farewell. I love her very much. Then my sister Megan and brother-in-law Owen, who drove up from San Diego. I am SO glad they went through the temple with me! Did I already say that? Well thank you both for everything I love you. Throughout the day there were more goodbyes but no tears. It has been a peaceful thing for me knowing that I will be home in 18 months and I will still have the same friends and the same family. I also can't start crying because once I start I know I will not stop, possibly ever.

We had an open house that night with my old young women's advisors and old seminary teachers and others who I am so grateful came to say goodbye!

Monday was full of packing again and finally finished Monday night right before the stake president came to set me apart. It was a very cool experience and I am so excited for my opportunity to serve! I feel the weight of my responsibilities and I am ready for them. He talked abut his mission for a little while and gave me some words of encouragement. His blessing was beautiful and really helped me realize my new responsibility, and I literally felt weight put on my shoulders. I am scared/ excited/ anxious/ super excited all at the same time, but somehow have to keep my mind blank so I don't start crying! Still have to say goodbye to my parents which will probably be the hardest but "all is well". I am so grateful again for my opportunity to serve and if you ever want to write me PLEASE do I know I will love getting mail!! You can find all my information on my Facebook under my info section. I LOVE you all and will miss everyone.

Heres some more pics from the weekend:

Sorry I dont have time to put more up but I am so grateful for everyone who came and said goodbye to me! My mom and cousin will be updating this blog weekly while I am gone with pictures and emails that I send. Thank you all I love you and I'll see you in 18 months!!