Yay for Missionaries!

Conference was great this weekend! We are so blessed to be able to hear the words of living prophets. That  missionary announcement was crazy! Girls are able to go on a mission when they're 19! And boys when they're 18 and have graduated from high school. If you'd like to see the announcement, click here. I think this revelation is so great for so many reasons. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter. 

• This opportunity for girls to go on their mission earlier is perfect for girls like Cassie Haskell. Cassie has been determined to serve an LDS mission since I've known her. I'd bet that even if she met her eternal companion before her mission, she would have made him wait for her while she left to serve the lord for a year and a half. Cassie, I bet you're ecstatic right now.  
• I know that some have wondered if it's such a good idea, because they feel that a young women's top priority is to get married... not to serve a mission. But I say let them serve a mission! They're still going to be young when they return. Two years younger than if they had waited until they turned 21! 
• I think allowing girls to leave when they are 19 is especially great for high school sweethearts. (granted they're close to the same age.) Instead of the girl waiting around for her missionary to return, she can serve a mission at the same time! Then they can get married after both have had the opportunity to serve the lord. My mind keeps wandering to Chloe and Hopper. I talked to Chloe Sunday, and she is definitely planning on serving a mission as soon as she turns 19. I know Chloe wasn't going to wait for Hop while he served in Taiwan, but now they might end up together after all. :) - Don't get me wrong, Chloe was planning on serving a mission even if she had to wait until she was 21. She's always wanted to go. And ok... They're not exactly high school sweethearts, but still. 
• I'm also glad they chose to let boys go when they are finished with high school. For some, that's an entire year early. They now have less time in which they could make a mistake. Michael explained to me how that year in between was one of the hardest of his life. He said it was pointless to date when he knew he was leaving. He said he felt like he had to wait until the year went by until his life could progress. Also, according to my father-in-law, a professor at BYU, the majority of freshmen boys who choose to put in a year of school before their mission, have a poorer performance in their classes.
• Although I'm married and won't be serving a mission, this announcement might actually benefit me as well. I found this funny picture online: 

If there's the slightest truth to to this image, maybe I'll be able to get in after all. Fingers crossed. 

• I really enjoyed Henry B Eyrings talk Sunday morning, on how the Lord knows all things and what's best for us personally. We need to work according to his time table. Maybe I got married early so I wouldn't be tempted to serve a mission instead of marrying my best friend, when these new missionary age requirements were revealed. I know that marrying Michael at that time was the right decision for me. I love my husband with all my heart. When I previously wrote I wouldn't be serving a mission, I meant in the immediate future. Michael and I are definitely going to serve a couple mission, if not several. We'll be the best missionaries you ever did see. 

What a great announcement to witness. It's especially exciting when I'm the same age as those who are preparing to leave. I'd just like to give a shout out to my close friends who recently got their mission calls. 

McKennen Lamb - Called to serve in Paris, France. Everyone saw that one coming. :)  McKennen, you're a great friend and I'm sorry we grew apart. Your friendly personality is going be a great advantage in the mission field. Way to go Kennen!

Craig Sperry - Called to serve in Indianapolis, Indiana. Craig you are one of my very best friends. I really appreciate that you keep in touch even though I'm a Mrs. now. You are a great listener and you are going to rock that mission!

Allen Hopper - Called to serve in Taiwan, Tipei (Mandarin Chinese speaking. How cool is that?!) Hopper, I look up to you. Thanks for always being there when I need a friend. Why you gave me the nickname 'Smiles' beats me, because everyone smiles when they're around you. Your confidence and optimism are great traits to have when serving the lord. Hop, I hope you end up with Chloe. You two are SO cute. 

The following quote is for you boys: "Who the Lord calls, the Lord will qualify." -Thomas S. Monson

Now, for my current missionary friend:

David Corey - Currently serving in Richmond, Virginia. David, I'm so sorry I haven't written you any letters... I'll write soon. Promise. I just have to get your address from Chloe. David, you have such a strong desire to serve the Lord. I know you're doing a fantastic job!

David, this quote is for you: "When you're on the Lord's errand, you're entitled to the Lord's blessings." -Thomas S. Monson

Now, a shout out to my favorite missionary, an RM, Michael Brooks - Served a full time mission to Tijuana, Mexico. Michael was a great missionary who endured a broken wrist, difficult companions, illness and vicious dogs. He never gave up. He has a very strong testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and wasn't afraid to share it with others. He has changed the lives of many, by bringing them closer to their Father in Heaven. I love you Michael bear! Thanks for always setting a good example for me. 

Way to go boys! I'm so proud of you! 

I'd like to close this post with a quote by Joseph Smith. "The standard of truth has been erected; No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done."