Where do I begin?

How do you start something like this? I suppose I could begin by saying I'm an eighteen year old girl from Granite, Utah that loves doing anything outdoors. I could begin by saying I am going on a mission to Pachuca, Mexico for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I could say that I love climbing, kayaking, running, swimming, and being with my family. All of this is true, but is it the right way to begin a blog? Who knows but I will say this, I love my family more than anything and I love being happy.

Joy is something I want to focus on. What makes me happy, what makes others happy, and what makes my Heavenly Father happy. I feel like the reason we are here is to find joy in the journey no matter what life throws at us. We are here for each other. I believe that the best thing for my life is for me to serve a mission in Mexico; there is no place I would rather be during the next 18 months. Is it scary? Absolutely, it's the scariest thing I have ever thought about doing in my entire life. Am I nervous out of my mind and have no idea where to begin? Of course, the whole beginning of this blog was about unsurety. Everything is about to change for me and that is absolutely terrifying. All of the comforts of home: my parents, my brother(my dog Buddy), my home, my running trails, my ice cream and other comfort food, my bed, and my normal daily way of life is about to be exchanged with new companions, a little apartment, maggot tacos and talking to strangers constantly. None of which I am used to. But there is one thing I know will be constant from now to then and that is the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. I love this gospel with all my heart, might, mind and soul and truly can't wait to study, learn and share it with everyone I come into contact with. However scary the future might be for me, I know I have Jesus Christ, my brother, to help me through the changes. He has been through it all and knows exactly what I am going through. So amidst all the changes going on I know it will all be ok. I know I will have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but I can't wait. I am leaving my family for a short 18 months so others can be with their families for eternity. I know it, I live it, I love it and I can't wait to share my experiences with you. Thanks for reading.