I started writing this more than a year ago… and then never posted it, and now her mission is nearing its end so I better get a move on! Ha!

So anyway, back in early 2018 my youngest sister, Marina (we’re ten years apart), decided to serve a mission. She got called to the St George Visitor’s Center mission which is funny since not long after we ended up moving to Las Vegas, and of course my in-laws live in St George! While she was visiting with my mom in April we took the opportunity to take her “official” missionary portrait, it was fun 🙂

And then my mom had to head back to Virginia for work. I was lucky enough to help send her off to the MTC in Provo, UT, and all four of the sisters got together for one last brunch/advice session (ha!).

It was kind of crazy sending off the youngest one on a mission — especially because I had always planned on going myself but then got engaged to Andrew which obviously put a wrench in things, ha. So now all my little sisters have shown me up and I must say I’m quite proud of them 🙂 Amelia served in the Paris mission, and Sylvia served in Rome, Italy, where she met her husband.

Also, I’m glad that short hair phase is over for me… at least I can say tried it, I guess, but I’m happy to have mid-length hair again…

After we finished eating we headed over for the drop-off zone: looks like they got rid of the big sign by the entrance (probably so people wouldn’t do what we did and grab photos, ha.)

Then we were routed down into the basement garage to unceremoniously drop her off and drive off. It all went by so fast!

I could tell she was getting a little emotional as the moment approached, but she was also happy and excited and we were all thrilled for her. I know she’s going to have a wonderful time and do a lot of growing as well! (Which, almost a full mission later, I can attest to.)

She’s had so many neat opportunities to share the Gospel, and her French has come in really handy since so many French tourists come through the visitor’s center while traveling in southern Utah (those national parks are really popular with French people!). It’s been cool to hear her stories 🙂

And yes, it’s so funny how many times I’ve run into her in St George or had chances to drop off a card or gift bag while going to the temple — we even got permission to have her and her companion over for dinner at Christmas!

Now she’ll be coming to visit so very soon, when her mission ends in September — I’ll have JUST had baby #3 so it’ll be double the fun to welcome her home as they welcome a new baby into the family! Good job Marina, only two more months!