MTC Drop Off

This is my first time i've ever posted anything on a "blog," so please be patient.

Our experience at the MTC was literally a drop off zone like at the airport.  We had a check-in time of 1:30.  We pulled the car in at 1:20 and were greeted by Rod and Jill Bergman -some very good friends/family for many years!   Good thing they were there too, so we could get some pictures taken.  The "Hosts" simply help you get your gear from the car and send you on your way.  This is definitely an airport loading zone.  I kept waiting for the airport cop to show up on a Segway...  We hugged each other for mere seconds, then Ali was off and disappeared into the other masses of missionaries heading in to the MTC.

Dawn and I were quite stunned at this experience and didn't realize what had just happened until we hit I-15 headed back to California.  The tears flowed for a while, then there was utter silence in the car until just before Wendover.  I tuned the satellite radio to listen to Dr. Laura to ease the emotions.  After changing our clothes in a smoke scented truck stop in West Wendover, we grabbed some snacks and had a great trip the rest of the way home.

Our day and half trip to the Prove MTC was special as just the three of us enjoyed each other's company and last hours together.  We even stopped by the "Sister Missionary Mall" to by some overpriced things.  Dinner at P.F. Changs was a nice send off just before that wonderful buffet cuisine at the MTC.

Wednesday morning, we stopped by the Cocoa Bean for a prized cupcake/muffin.  Ali's friend had moved back to Idaho Falls, so her hopes of visiting one last person were dashed.  Good food though.  :)

Now we wait for a response to our numerous e-mails to her MTC box.  This whole wait a week for feedback is for the birds.  I guess I, too, have become a texting junkie and neeeeed instant response.

Hope you enjoy the pics!

Richard, Dad, UR, blog servant...

Ooopsie.  Here's her MTC email address until 8/4/10:

dearelder.com
Provo MTC
Box #165
8/4 departure date

So Long For Now...

I still can't believe that in just a few short days I will be Sister Teerlink!!!

It feels like just a week or so ago I was waiting anxiously by the mailbox for my call to get here.

This summer has been full of so much fun and memories GaLoRe :)

family trips. nannying. visiting friends. 

dances. birthdays. swimming. holidays.

farewell. open house.

June 27 was a big day, my Farewell and Open House!

I was able to see all of my family in the area, which was so nice.  I haven't seen them in so long, and I from what I heard some people were looking for me, but hadn't realized how different I would look after a few years of not seeing each other.  The company was great and I was so happy I could say bye to so many people before leaving.  It was sad saying by to so many great people, but I know that I will see everyone again in 18 months.  

We didn't take as many pictures at the Open House, but Julie...our neighborhood's Martha Stewart... 

did a great job of putting everything together and of course had to use some of my favorite 

things for display.  Beautiful Sunflowers and Picnics :)

I am so grateful for so many loving friends and my family...they have all been such a strength and support in my life as I have grown to be the individual I am today.  

I love you all and hope to hear from you as you go out on your fun adventures in life as well.

Everyone have a Happy 4th of July!!!
BbQ's, FaMiLy, FrIeNdS, 
PaRaDeS, SwImMiNg, & FiReWoRkS

Know that I love you all!

Until next time,

aLi :)

family.friends.fun.

Since I've been home I have been busy nannying and spending as much time with my family and friends, but it is all paying off.  Everything is always so fun and makes the last bit of time I have before my mission even more memorable!

We wanted to take some family pictures before I left so we could at least have an updated family shot.  It was one of the best times to take the pictures considering I'll be gone for 18 months and we will need to wait that long to get a full family picture. 

Also, my family was able to finally find a few days to get away and head out to one of our favorite spots...DISNEYLAND!!! Going to Disneyland always brings back so many memories and we all just laugh and play and all that fun stuff. 

Love You All!!! Thanks for all the FuN and MeMoRiEeS

Time Is Flying

Well the time has come for me to go out on a new adventure in life...I'll be entering the MTC on July 7 to prepare for the next 18 months to be Sister Teerlink in Salt Lake City at Temple Square. I can't believe that it is really this time in my life, I have always thought about this part of my life and its really here now.

Many people have been asking when I decided to go because all of a sudden my papers were in and I was opening my call. So here it goes...After a lot of thinking, praying, and talks with friends I knew it was the right thing to do. I was planning on going to school one more semester, but when you can easily drop all your classes, sell your contract, and have your parents drive out to help you move home...it must be the right thing to do. I met with my Bishop got my papers started, made all the needed appointments to complete my papers, went to my last few interviews and my papers were in within 2 weeks. Then only 10 days later on April 16 I had my call and was opening it with my family.

All in all when everything falls into place, the Lord has a plan and is going to make it work. At that point I knew that I was doing the right thing and I am so blessed to have this opportunity to go and serve as a missionary. I have such amazing support from all my family and friends and cannot thank them enough for all that they do and bless me with daily.

Since then...I celebrated my birthday in the Sacramento Temple with the best company I could have asked to be there with me. The experience was amazing and I am so grateful for all that I felt and learned and know that I will continue learning and growing every time I go back.

Thank you to all my family and friends that were there! I Love you all and don't know where I would be without you.