So Long, Farewell

Today, one of my best friends went in to the MTC. She and I became friends our junior year in high school. We have been there for each other ever since. We worked together at police cadets, we sang together in A'capella and then later in in Madrigals. We both got accepted in to BYU and have attended here together ever since. As freshmen, she lived one block away from me and for the last two years she has lived just two floors before me. We have seen each other go through some of our hardest and some of our most exciting moments. She is now in the MTC, just 3 blocks from me, and I will not see her for 18 months. She will be serving in the Philippines and preaching the gospel. Her farewell was on Sunday. She did so great on her talk, she had to fill 35 minutes!! We went to her house afterward and as I told her it was time for me to go, we both realized that was our last time seeing each other for a very long time. We took pictures and gave each other about ten hugs before I was finally able to leave. As I drove home I sent McKay a text saying that I didn't remember it being that hard to say goodbye. I guess it's different saying goodbye to girlfriends. I cried. I have NEVER cried when a friend went on a mission because I think missions are great and I am fully supportive. But alas, I cried.

I know Marissa will be such a great missionary. She has such a solid testimony of this gospel and I am so happy that she has this chance to serve our Heavenly Father and share the Gospel with our brothers and sisters across the world that are searching for the truth. Good luck Ris, I love you and you will be in my prayers!!

Ris and Me

Me, Ris, and McKay