called to serve

After anxiously waiting for the mailman to arrive for an entire week...

        And then having my Dad receive a big white envelope that I was hoping was for me....

                 And after having my bishop (well, my dad) confirm that it had indeed been sent.....

THE MISSION CALL FINALLY ARRIVED!!

I was sent to the mailbox for the umpteenth day with my own paparazzi behind me, and there was finally a large white envelope from Salt Lake addressed to "Sister Lauren Renee Holbrook." That's me!

hooray for sisters with smart phones! 

I opened the call later that night. Rachel invited a few school and church friends over, I got the family set up on the phone and via broadcast, gave out photography and video assignments, and then it was time!

drum roll please....

"Dear Sister Lauren Holbrook,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, October 9, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president."

GUYS I'M GOING TO SALT LAKE!!

Basically one of my favorite places on the planet.

AND I only have to survive one hot, desert summer there. Perfect timing.

And I'm really excited about the mountains. 

my mission boundaries

The rest of the evening was spent talking with friends and family and sharing the news with pretty much everyone on the face of the planet. I'm a little excited, ok?

And we took a lot of pictures. Of course.

I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I love this gospel with all my heart! I am thrilled that I will be able to share the wonderful messages of peace and joy with others. I love my Savior and am honored that I would be entrusted with such an incredible calling.

I can't wait to get started!