I might be biased, but in the next 24 hours, someone special is about to step foot on your soil for the first time. This someone is one remarkable gal that means the world to me. Dear Philippines, for the next 16 months, please promise me that you'll be good to her. Please keep her safe. If you could also tell your people to be kind to her, I'd really appreciate that as well. She's new to this missionary life and I'm sure it will take some time to get used to.
My stomach has been in butterflies all day as I think of her leaving the safety of the Utah Mission training center and embarking on this new journey. I know it is going to be amazing, but as her big sis, I still get nervous.
One thing I do know, dear Philippines, is that you will forever leave an impact on the life of this 21-year old gal that I thankfully can call my sister. You will change her life forever.
Please be kind to her as I know she'll be to you.
Sincerely yours,
Sarah
a tad overprotective big sister
p.s. I'll end with her words from the last e-mail she sent from the MTC this morning....
"I always had a testimony, but I've never felt like this before. I've never ever felt so close to my Savior. I have no doubt that these next 16 months in the Philippines are going to be the HARDEST 16 months of my life so far. I know there are going to be trials. I know I'll feel rejected, scared, nervous, etc...but honestly I do not even care. my heart is so full of joy for this gospel and the love of my Savior and I can't just keep it to myself. I'll go through whatever the Lord sees fit to inflict upon me in order to preach this gospel and share this love I feel. I can't wait. The Lord has let me know that He will never leave me during these next 16 months. and I believe Him. I just want to let you know all this so that you don't feel bad or worried for me. I know it will be hard and I will struggle, but I can handle it with the Lord by my side always".
15 comments:
Beautiful, beautiful reading .....I hope your mom knows how lucky she is...I'm sure she does. You are all an amazing family (:
Oh my Sandy. I'm so nervous for her too! I'll be holding my phone in my hand all night tonight while she's at LAX. I've missed her so much lately, last week my hormones were going crazy and I cried so much about how she won't be here when I have my baby. But I'm SO excited and happy for her, her testimony is stronger than EVER.
Forgot to tell you that I was frantically looking for her as I drove by the MTC a few weeks ago.
She'll be so awesome. The people of the Phillipines are so lucky to have her.
My little bro just left on his mission last week! I freakin just bawled my eyes out! I love Sandy's letter! What a testimony! The Philippines will be lucky to have her there!
Too bad this whole thing made me cry! I have such awesome sisters!
Wow...that's all I can say. Both of you are amazing women! I am a little jealous. I wanted to serve a mission. Someday.
I will be thinking of her! Her testimony is amazing. I hope you get some sleep!
That brought buckets to my eyes! She's already changed. I LOVE that she knows it is going to be a trial but that she's basically saying- "bring it on!" She's amazing!
Thank you Sarah, for sharing your feelings as well as Sandy's letter. It has touched and inspired me.
Having served a mission myself I just feel so excited for your sister. There are not words to describe how amazing and hard the next 18 months will be. She will forever be changed for the better because of it.
Thanks for your sweet comment on my blog. I met, or re-connected with everyone on that trip through blogs. I hadn't met Shawni until I arrived there but she is every bit as sweet and wonderful as her blog portrays.
You have such a beautiful family and from the little bit I have read so far you seem like an amazing person!!
Talking to her on the phone last night as she was at the airport was wonderful. She is so excited to serve. She sounded wonderful and soooo happy!
What a blessing for her life and those lives she touches.
oh she is going to be awesome & have the time of her life! i am SO EXCITED for her! the Lord will watch over & protect her & all of these experiences will impact her for good FOREVER!!! i'd be so nervous, too! i don't know if i'll be able to handle my kids going on a mission...you just have to turn them over to the Lord & His work!!!! enjoy it sandy!!!
Don't you feel a tad bit jealous that she gets to go on a mission. Of course I am glad I didn't go on one so I could marry Craig, that's most important. But I do get a little jealous when I hear these things and I wish I went on one. I hope if I ever have a daughter that she will go on one. And, my boys BETTER go on one! I am so excited for your sister and your family!
why am I doing the ugly cry?
Im so so proud of Sandy! She's always had the "greatest love of all"
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