Assurance

Things can be better tomorrow than they are today.

How beautiful is that promise? Like everyone else I have been thinking about change. Not only change within myself but how much can change over a span of 3 years or even 18 months. How something could happen today that could change the rest of my life. I returned home from a mission approximately two months ago and though I miss having that purpose I have faith in the future and what it has to bring me. When I was nearing the end of my mission I was talking to a few of Sisters that grew to be great friends. One of them said that when missionaries get home the only reason it's hard is because they make it hard. I agree. I think we sometimes use it as an excuse. We need to continue to do what we have taught the last 18 to 24 months.

One Sunday night while visiting an elderly couple in the ward I was currently serving in I had the exact thought I mentioned early. Something could happen in ten minutes that could change my life. I had no idea why I thought that. I later came to find out. I went on with introducing my companion to this couple and left the spiritual thought. We got into the car and we noticed there were quite a few missed calls from President Samuelian, our Zone Leaders, and the Assistants to the President. One of our Zone Leaders called back and I had asked him what was going on. I had many thoughts going through my head as to what was happening. He asked if everything back home was okay. Right then I thought about my mom. I had a calm assurance that whatever happened-- even if it wasn't okay-- was okay. I then called President Samuelian back. He asked if my companion and I could come into the mission home that night because there was something he needed to talk to me about. Of course I was still panicking at this moment but I agreed.

We show up in Newberg at the mission home and after President finished up a few things he asked if I could come into their bedroom to have a kneeling prayer. At this point, I knew my mission was coming to an end. We had a kneeling prayer and afterwards President and Sister Samuelian sat next to me. President had told me that my stake president from back home had called. My mom. Right then I knew. He went on telling me that my mom had passed away. I wanted to ask, why me? I again felt peace. I flew home the next day to be released as a missionary and to be home with my sisters.

I think of her everyday. I realized I miss her in the small moments; when I want one of her recipes, to let her know I made it to Provo safely, to call when I'm sick so I can hear her voice, to just see how she is doing. I sometimes wish it would have never happened. Then I think of what a loving Heavenly Father we have who has presented a plan to us. He has promised me that I will see her again. My mother knew the battles she would face in this life. She knew I was going to serve a mission. She knew at the end of 18 months, she would be gone. I was weak. I still am. My mission gave me strength-- the strength I needed to handle this. The day she passed away, she was going to send me a key-chain sized telescope. In the box she had wrote a note saying, "I'll be watching out for you." I know she is here with me in those small moments. I love my mom. I never spoke highly of her-- and yes, I regret it. I wish the world could see how wonderful of a lady she was. I hate to admit that even though I was tempted, I would never trade my mom for anyone. She really was a wonderful women who, from the beginning, knew what was going to happen.

Heavenly Father has a grand plan. What a privilege it was for me to see a glimpse of it. I can't ask, why me?  Because I know why. Death seems so final here in this mortal life but it's only the beginning. We hear over and over again how it's never meant to be easy. I read a blog the other day about a women who lost her father and kept hearing the phrase. She diligently sought the scriptures but could never find it. However, she found that we need to give our pain over to our Savior, Jesus Christ. I'm a firm believer that we grow from pain. We learn and progress. We cannot, however, do it alone. "And he will take upon him death... he will take upon him their infirmities... that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities." Christ wants us to give over our pain to Him. Why? So He can understand us. So He can help us. I have had to practice a lot of Faith in this throughout my life. I learned on my mission that if I'm afraid, He can't help me. We know that where there is faith, there cannot be fear. He wants to help us but when we are fearful, we bind Him from helping us.

Some days are a lot harder than others. I understand now. I get it. I'm a 23 year old who lost her mother. She wont be at my wedding. My future children wont know who their Grandma Laurie is. She wont see me graduate with my degree. That's all very unfortunate. But my mom wouldn't want me dwelling on those facts. All I can do is remember her for what she taught me and what a beautiful women she was. She is now in a place where she's healthy, happy, and progressing.

Things can be better tomorrow than they are today.

See you in 1.5

As long as I can remember, I've always hated the term "goodbye." It's just too sad. It has always been see you later. Over the weekend, I had to say just that to my sisters Lydia and Candace. Lydia and her kids were at the St. George Rec. Center so I had to hurry and say my "goodbye's" to the kids before they wanted to jump right back into the pool. Daniel and Sophia, I think, are too young to know what's really going on. However, Sadie and Alexis knew and they kept giving me hugs. Lydia told me not to cry because she would start crying. Well needless to say, we both started crying. I'll see them in a short 18 months. Lydia reassured me and told me, "you're going to change lives, Mary. They're going to say, 'remember that girl who knocked on our door?'" I love her. She always knows how to make me feel better. Then my sister Candace reassured me that she is always there for me-- that she will do anything if I need her and all I have to do is ask. We were outside saying bye and I swear I was getting dehydrated by the second (remember? I was in St George). I love my two older sisters. I'm glad I have their support.

Yesterday I had to say bye to some good friends along with Jessica and my twin sister Jennifer. I'm going to miss Jessica so much. She came over and I couldn't stop hugging her-- I'm glad she's going to write me. I don't want to miss a minute of her life. I hope all the best for her and I can't wait to come back and talk about all that has changed. Then there's Jennifer. She's my other half (it's a twin thing). It's the hardest thing to do! Kaylie Johnson, give me pointers (write them to me because I won't see the comment on this till I'm back ha.)? I love Jennifer and I have become closer with her since she's had her sweet little boy, Jude. I'm going to miss her tremendously. 

Last night was a fun night! The Myers' invited me and some of our friends to go shooting with them along with hot dogs and s'mores. Mmm. They were delicious. Then afterwards, we watched my last movie! Fun with Dick and Jane. I always forget how hilarious that movie is.

Well, I'll see you all later. My great friend Mackenzie is going to be in charge of my blog! She'll be posting my weekly e-mails on here.

Thank you, all, for your support. I appreciate it. Without you guys, I wouldn't be where I'm at right now.

Three hours until I'm set apart as a missionary! How exciting.

See you in 1.5 years.

Addresses!

You bet your bottom dollar you're going to write your favorite Sister Missionary! 


Here are the addresses for my mission. 
For the MTC, my address is:
Sister Mary Catherine White
MTC Mailbox # 300
OR-EUGE 0626
2005 N 900 E
Provo, UT 84604-1793

For the mission home, my address is:
Sister Mary Catherine White
Oregon Eugene Mission
55 W 29th Ave Ste A
Eugene, OR 97405
United States

Unfortunately, I wont be able to e-mail friends. So, family, if you want my e-mail, let me know and I'll get it to you! 


I still can't believe I"m going on a mission. It's buckle time and I have so much packing to do! Ah! 


I'll write a couple more posts before I leave I'm sure. 


Thank you all for your support. 


With all the love in the world, 
Sister White (WEIRD)

Almost here!

Not going to lie, I am getting nervous for the time I leave for my mission. However, I just keep thinking about everyone I'm going to meet. My friend Aubrie said that my companion will instantly be my best friend and they are in the same boat as I am. Which really did help calm my nerves.

I had a bucket list of things I wanted to do before I left but I didn't get much of it done. Oops. However, I've done other things so I'm fine with that.

Can you believe I'm going? Who would have known five years ago I would be where I'm at now? Definitely not me.

This blog post was mostly to inform you that I'm still going-- not backing out now! I am nervous but so excited I can barley handle it. On Sunday, May 20th I had my farewell. I had people come from Salt Lake and had support from all those who joined. I always brag about the support group that I have and how great they are.

Aubrie, myself, and Kenz! Our outfits really went
well together.

Annie Draper! I love her. She gave me my first
Book of Mormon.

My roommates - Sam + Kelsey

Thank you for coming, Caleb! You're the best.

Myself, Alyssa, Derek, Josh, and Sam! Thank you guys for
coming down!

My former Bishop and his wife, Lisa Garner.
Love these two!

Ended the Sunday with friends watching the eclipse! 

I'm sure I'll post a few more times before I leave.

Hope you're having a wonderful summer!

23 short days left

I have 23 days left until I report to the MTC. I can't believe this is happening. Bah! I can't wait. I'm super nervous and have so many emotions going on I can't even start explaining how I really feel.

It's starting to hit that I'll be leaving my family and best friends behind. However, without them, I wouldn't be able to do this. My family and friends are who help me through everything. I don't do anything without asking them for help (even if I don't listen to them and do what I want). So, thank you, guys! My missionaries; Josh and Bram. How lucky am I to have missionaries that still talk to me as much as they can? Extremely lucky. They are two of my best friends and they will be for the rest of my life.

For my farewell, I have Aubrie and Mackenzie singing a musical number-- today they were practicing and I got  butterflies. I actually get to go spread the Gospel to everyone (even if they don't accept it). That's what I get to do everyday, all day. I get to put my worries, stresses, and worldly responsibilities on hold for 1.5 years and help those who are ready to receive the Gospel. I know that this is going to be one of the hardest things that I have done, but I  have the knowledge of our Heavenly Father and His love. I know that I can turn to Him and He will bless me. This will also be the best time of my life because of that knowledge.

Before I leave, I've been trying to spend time with my friends before I spend time with the family. Mackenzie's birthday was on Friday, so Aubrie and I went up North to visit for the weekend.

I'll let the pictures explain:

This was on Wednesday but I had to include it.

Kenz ran her first 5k!

Aubrie and I right after Kenz started running.

Mark Nickles from KUTV2 News. Breast Cancer survivor.
Yay!

Kenz's sis-in-law, Kenz, myself, and Aubrie
We got those scarves and had fun wearing them in bows.

After City Creek Mall we went to the Temple of course

So beautiful 

 Friday night I only got one hour of sleep! We woke up at 6:30 a.m and left around 7:15 a.m for the 5k. After the race, went back so Kenz could get ready and Aubrie could get her wallet. We went right back to the City Creek Mall. It was amazing. I wasn't feeling all that well and was super tired so I had to pass on H&M. The Forever 21 was gigantic. I found colored jeans and wanted them so bad but they were eighty buckaroos-- thanks but no.

After the mall and the planetarium, we met up with my friend Jared that I met during fall semester and went back to his house to roast marshmallows. It was a great thing to the end the long fun-filled day.

We drove home and I started falling asleep right when I got into bed.

Woke up, went to sacrament, ate lunch, came back to Cedar City.

Next weekend: farewell. I hope to see you guys there!

Preparation

I still cannot believe this school year is already coming to an end. I feel like it was just yesterday I was moving back to Cedar. Now it's almost May and some of us are graduating, getting married, or serving missions. Isn't it crazy where life takes us? Who would have thought I would be where I'm at today?

Now that I only have 2 finals this week, I have time to start really preparing for my mission. Does anyone have any good suggestions on what to do? What to read? I have been reading talks by the apostles and prophets, my scriptures, and Preach My Gospel. Any suggestions other than reading would be greatly appreciated, too.

I have 36 days left until I report the the MTC. I keep hearing that going on a mission is the best thing; there isn't a worry in the world about yourself. I get to concentrate on His children and bring them back to Him. I seriously cannot wait.

Modeling my clothes for Jessica and I put the "future missionary"
tag that I have. Holla.

If you guys haven't yet known, my farewell is on May 20th at 1:00. If you want to come, join my page on Facebook and I will make sure there is plenty of food for you.

Well, all, good luck on finals. Also good luck with all that you're doing.

Much love.

Some favorites

This weather has been beautiful. When I have nothing to do in the winter, all I want to do is sleep. Now that the weather is gorgeous, I don't want to be inside. A few days ago, I went on a walk around campus and took some fun pictures.

Some are from Spring Break, too. Enjoy!

This is right when we got to California 

The things they catch lobsters with

This is why I love Spring so much

I love the Temple.

The beautiful St George Temple

Well there you have it. I love flowers and Temples if you can't tell.

Good luck with the last week of classes.