Monday, April 23, 2012

RUSSIA

Once upon a time I opened my mission call...
It was April 11th 2012. And one of the best days of my life.
It was the last day of classes and it was full of fun and friends.
I returned from work at approximately 1:00 in the afternoon to wait at the mailbox. I checked and nothing was there. Cassandra and I noticed our friends at the TAJ just chillin' on the hammock so we sat and chatted for a while.
Then I saw her. The mail lady. With her little truck and her pouch filled.
I ran towards her and asked if she had a mission call per chance. She said Yes! For who? I told her my name and she handed it to me. I screamed and held it close and then sprinted back to the TAJ.
We took turns feeling it. And guessing what it said. But did not open it.
I proceeded to text my entire contact list and let them know it was finally here! And I'd be opening it at 8:30.
Then I sat and wondered. And dreamed and got nervous. So what do I do when I'm anxious and stressed?
I bake.
So I made some chocolate chip cookies and lemon cupcakes with strawberries on top.
Cassandra made a nice little poster and we started writing down people's guesses.
It was the longest day of my life.
I stayed fairly busy but time just dragged on and on and on and on...
At 8:30 all of my friends and family in Provo came to my apartment and joined the celebration.
My parents and siblings were all at home on skype and then the moment came....
I struggled opening the call (of course) and tears began to stream down my face.
I tried to read it one line at a time but my eyes immediately found it.
The place I'd be serving in for 18 months.
RUSSIA
Novosibirsk
I'll report June 6th to the Provo MTC
It was all surreal.
Russia NEVER crossed my mind.
I didn't even know how to pronounce it!
Luckily we had a fellow Russian speaker Tyler help me.
The next few days were a blur. Of googling Russia. Not sleeping well. Dreaming about the snow.
And trying to read the Russian books from Tyler.
But there it is folks. I've been called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Novosibirsk Russia.
The third largest city in Russia. Located right above Kazakhstan and Mongolia. The mission covers a HUGE area about the size of the United States and all located in Siberia!
I seriously cannot wait and am still shocked that heavenly father wants me to be there and thinks I'm capable of learning Russian and surviving the arctic winters. But I know this is the right thing to do and the right place to be!

My good friend Anna Gleave is a photographer and took some wonderful pictures of the night.
So enjoy : )

























3 comments:

Lauren said...

Mallory!
Congrats on your mission call!
also. your mission call timeline is the greatest.

Emily said...

This is so incredibly awesome Mallory!! We could not be more thrilled for you!!

Wow! Russia! Andy was there last year and said it is beautiful. We love you and wish you the best!! I still can't believe we met you as an eight year old girl and now you are off as a missionary

Unknown said...

still can't believe it! this still makes me happy :) LOVE YOU!! xoxo

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