Farewell Sister Bowen!

Farewell Sister Bowen!

Wow. Tonight is the night I will be set apart as a full time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My last week at home has been a blur but let me sum it up for you! Monday and Tuesday I traveled to Reno with my dad to check on business up there and say my goodbyes to my Reno family. I had fun visiting and catching up with all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins. We had dinner at Chuck E. Cheese where we ate pizza and acted like children, haha. It was a quick trip but I’m so glad I went. Not only was it good to see my family up there one last time, but also my dad and I had lots of driving time to talk and spend quality time together.

 

We made it home Tuesday afternoon, I unpacked and repacked because Wednesday we left for California! Anna is part of Harney Middle School’s Bella Voce and Show Choir and my family took advantage of their annual trip and made it our last family get away for a year and a half. Anna did so good in all of her performances and spending time with my family at the happiest place on earth couldn’t have been better.

 

 We got home Saturday afternoon and had lots to do to get ready for Sunday! My mom was in the kitchen and we were picking up the house and backyard to make sure everything looked nice and ready for lots of family to come over. Sunday was a big day at our house! May 10, 2015 will always be a day I remember. I gave my farewell talk in the Desert Inn sacrament meeting which was also the first meeting my dad presided over as the first counselor in the stake presidency, which was also Mother’s Day. So many people were there to support me in this decision and I was overwhelmed by the love I felt as I looked into the congregation. I had friends, neighbors, teachers, administrators, and lots of family come to see me off. My talk went smoothly and if you would like to read it or reread it, I have posted it on a separate page. After sacrament meeting, all the family came over for Mother’s Day brunch! There was so much good food and we had such a nice time together. The mother’s in my family have influenced me and my life for good and I’m so grateful for their example.

 Later in the afternoon, after my family left, I had the opportunity to skype my missionary. I was so lucky that Mother’s Day landed the Sunday before I left because it was so nice to see Elder Leavitt one last time before I don’t for the next 18 months. He is doing great and loving Brazil. He and his family have taken such good care of me these past 6 months and I will miss them! I can’t thank them enough for letting me be a part of their Mother’s Day skype. The next time I see him, will be in person, and that’s exciting.

 

 

 

The rest of my evening was spent hanging out with my family and packing! How do you pack for 18 months? Tonight, is my open house, so more goodbyes, but that means I’m that much closer to leaving and starting my journey to become who Heavenly Father wants me to. This mission is going to change me and benefit my life forever. The sacrifice is worth it, especially considering all that my Heavenly Father and brother, Jesus Christ have done for me. 

 

The goodbyes were hard but I know time will fly by and before I know it, I will be reunited with everyone. This mission is right for me at this point in my life and the Lord has allowed the Holy Ghost to be with me and confirm that for me, many times. I know there are people in New Mexico waiting for me and I know there are people there who I need to meet so I can learn and grow and my testimony and conversion to this gospel can be strengthened. It’s all starting to hit me that I’m about to jump into a whole new adventure but I am prepared and as ready as I’ll ever be for this chapter of my life. I can’t thank ALL of you enough for helping me get here. See you in 18 months! I love you all.