Chris’ Mission–Mission Farewell and final week at home

This was one of the greatest days ever. I wore my new suit, my new shoes and of course my Christmas socks. It was a sweet program. The Missionary farewell program order was: Lindsey, Ashlyn, Nikole, Geneses’ song “His Hands”, Mom, Dad, my piano song “I am a Child of God”, and then my talk. Everyone did an excellent job. The spirit was definitely there and I got many compliments on everything. I couldn’t have asked for a better turnout. The church was stacked all the way back to the gym and there were even people in the foyers because they couldn't fit in the chapel or cultural hall. And there were so many people in my house that I was stuck in there forever. It was great to see so many of my friends and family all gathered there together. Today was so awesome. I just hung out at home all day and tons of people rolled in and out all day. I had the best time. I am glad I don’t go into the MTC on this Wednesday so I have one more week to wrap everything up, but I am excited to get on my mission.

Right now I am in Nikole’s room listening to Christmas music. We are pulling off one of our last late nights together. It is very fun. Nikole is so awesome. I love her so much and our relationship is so special to me. I hope we can always be the best of friends. I am certainly going to miss her and all of my family. Ashlyn and I played RBI baseball together tonight and she started crying. She is awesome, too. I am going to miss nights like this. There were so many people here that I love. Everyone told me I was a great speaker and that I sounded more like a returned missionary than one just going out. And my piano piece turned out awesome. I only made one mistake and then I settled down and played it great.

I can’t believe how soon I am out of here. I will work on Monday and Tuesday and then I will have one week before I go in. I better make the most of it. “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas” is on. I will definitely have a white Christmas, but I won’t be with my family. It is going to be hard but I will deal with it.  Sunday, September 27

Well, this will be my last time writing in this journal for two years. Tomorrow is the day, but it hardly seems like it. After my farewell, I worked on Monday and Tuesday and then I went to the Jordan River Temple with Sharon for her endowments. It was way cool and it made a little more sense this time. I went golfing with Dad at Forest Dale on Wednesday, too. Thursday, I totally cleaned out my whole room, cleared out my desk, dresser, nightstand, closet, entertainment center, etc. It was a lot of fun to go through everything but I threw a lot away.

Friday was a big day. We drove down to Manti in the morning and attended Genene and Clay’s wedding. It was way cool to see an actual sealing for time and all eternity. And the Manti Temple is really neat. We stayed in Manti for the wedding breakfast and then we headed up to the BYU game vs. Utah State. Jennifer came with us so we got to talk a lot and she has turned her life around and will probably go on a mission herself. That is sweet. It was fun hanging out with her.  Friday, October 2

Saturday, I just lounged around, watched General Conference, continued cleaning my room, etc. Saturday night, I took Jen Briner out. She is way hot and really cool. Sunday was another lazy day. We watched conference and then played Hand and Foot. That was really fun. Monday, I gathered everything together and narrowed down my list of things to buy and to do. Me and Mom and Dad went to Fred Meyer and I spent $115 on stuff. We then went to KC Hooligans for ice cream. Me and Dad and Nikole and Grandpa went golfing at Mountain Dell. It was a long challenging course but very fun. Dave and Marianne Johnson came over and gave me a really nice book and a card with $25. They are so awesome. I will keep in touch with them for sure. They are taking my parents to the Neil Diamond concert on Friday to cheer them up after I leave.  Sunday, October 4