SISTER NELSON & THE MTC

 

 

 

 

 

 

I tried my hardest not to cry that morning. It was a special day for Taylor, a happy one. I didn't want to ruin it and be sad. I woke up feeling peaceful and truly excited for her! We hung out in our room and packed the rest of her things while watching // The District // and listening to the LDS Hymns station on Pandora. We finally got 5 minutes of privacy when I gave her the locket necklace. One side has a map of Seattle and one has Vancouver.. so we're always close. (Don't look too close at the picture. I had to do it in secret and couldn't get the maps right so that heightened my frustration and I just finished fast). We both cried and hugged for a long time. I didn't want to let go. It finally set in - the better half of me was leaving.

What a bittersweet feeling it was to send my Tayda off to the MTC. Obviously we were all so happy and excited for her to finally be a missionary, but the thought of not being able to see her, hear her voice, laugh at dumb things, have serious talks and car jams for 19 months was really hard. I wish we could have left at the same time so we could experience the MTC together.. (but then again, saying goodbye at the MTC in front of other missionaries - in a very public location - could've been a lot worse). I wish we could have finished a few more things on our Twinner Bucket List. I know that she is going to be the best missionary. She has always, always, always been the greatest example to me. People often referred to Taylor as the angel twin and me as the devil twin. (Hey, I'm just a little more vocal about my feelings then her, okay?) She's sweeter, kinder, nicer, everything better than me. I'll never forget her calling me up at school, reminding me to "Stay out of trouble, choose the right, the Holy Ghost goes to bed at midnight" and such as. :) She was so excited, prepared, and ready to go on a mission (I mean just look at her.. she's GLOWING!)

When people came over after we dropped her off and asked me if I needed anything, I just said "I need my sister!" kind of joking, but mostly for real. The fact that I couldn't just text her or talk to her on the phone just made me want to that much more. But I could not be more proud of her. Her example and desire to serve a mission really helped me make the best decision I will ever make in my life - and that was to serve a mission as well. Through this we will grow SO MUCH! More than I can even comprehend. The Lord has blessed me with a built in best friend who I will always love more than anyone else. He has blessed me with a calling to serve in the Canada Vancouver mission.. only 2 hours away from Taylor (if I'm right in Vancouver). That gives me great comfort! Even though we're far apart (yet so close) and in different countries, we'll always be with each other. I already know that the day in February 2015 when I return from my mission, when I get to hug Taylor again, that will be one of the greatest days of my life.

Go get 'em Tay! Baptize the hell out of those Washingtonians. :)