Wednesday, October 28, 2015

MTC - Provo, Utah - I survived the first day and I love it here!

Hi Family!
I have survived the first day! I absolutely love the MTC! Siostra Kamp is my companion and the other siostras are absolutely amazing and we are already so close! 

The spirit is absolutely insane here! I have already had random little tender mercies like this guy behind me right when I went in was going to Omaha Nebraska on his mission, my mission scripture was brought up immediately and they talked about line about line (mom)! 

I love you guys so much! 
Can't wait to see you in 18! 
My PDay is on Thursday so I will talk to you next week!

Love,
Siostra DeMordaunt

OH!  Make sure you tell people about Dear Elder!  I love you guys so so much!

Reporting to the MTC - Provo, Utah

The ride down!  Love these people!


It wouldn't be normal for us not to have
at least one photo bomb wherever we go?
Are they jumping for joy because I'm leaving?!
Pulling up with a racing heart!  


One last picture together!

I wanted to only look back once!  

I woke up after a restless sleep!  Today was the day!  

Here I come MTC!  

I was ready to turn my attention to the Lord's work!

Natalia's flight was on time!  She boarded the plane at 6 a.m.!  So glad she made it!  She flew right back to Boise after saying good bye at the MTC at 1:45 p.m.  Thanks Tal for coming!

My dad had asked me where I wanted to eat for my "last supper" - I chose Waffle Love and Mountain West Burritos!  I ate every last bite of that Belgium waffle and burrito!!  It was sooooo good.  The MTC cafeteria's food I heard was just like the dorm's Cannon Center.  Not awful but definitely isn't what I call a culinary delight!

We drove up to the Provo Temple where most families say their goodbyes before the curbside drop off at the MTC.  My drop off time was at 12:30 p.m.  We kinda stood around not really knowing how to kill the last remaining few minutes.  The thought of saying good bye for 18 months was looming in the air everywhere!  Our hearts were heavy.  Finally we started laughing and took some "jump pictures!"  

I LOVE MY FAMILY!  
I LOVE THAT THEY ARE LOVING, CRAZY AND FUN!
I'm taking this to Poland with me!

The time came for drop off.  I cried and hugged everyone in my family.  My heart was aching but something was pushing me to keep going.  I knew I was doing the right thing.  I miss you all so very, very, very much.  Let's stay strong.  I LOVE YOU!

We pulled up to the MTC and our spot was #18.  A sister missionary greeted us.  She asked if we wanted one last picture.  

Short good-byes were said.  It moved quickly.  I looked back once and was gone.  My mom said the drive home was the quietest our family had ever been in the car.  My heart was pounding all day long.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Night before the MTC - Salt Lake City, Utah

Sampson!



Uncle Craig and Aunt Chris' family!
Maddy Hendricks!  Gabby Roper!


FaceTime with:
Uncle Kyle, Lucas, Roman
My "godmother" Juls
Aunt Melissa and a few more!

Family talk time!
Grandma Jackie!  

We were packing until midnight on Monday!  Everyone was involved.  Finally everything was done.  

Leaving my home was a sentimental moment.  I love it here and I love my family.  I know things will be different when I return.  My mom keeps telling me that things will be the same here but that I will change the most.  I know I'll change but missing out on anything kills me!

One of the hardest things about deciding to serve was leaving my siblings.  I love them so much.  Like I wrote already, I don't want to miss out on anything in their lives.  The last few months at home gave me the opportunity to spend time with them.  I am so glad I had 2 1/2 months to do this. The timing was perfect.  I watched my beautiful sisters Sophia and Natalia play volleyball.  I watched my little stud of a brother enter junior high and play LaCrosse and football.  I was there for Natalia's homecoming!  I went to lunch with them.  I hung out with my mom and dad.  We had movie nights. We ate my favorite meals.  We tried to check off everything on my bucket lists!   Saying goodbye to our dog Sampson was also hard - I know this may sound silly but I love that dog!  He is a great member of our family! He is old.  I don't know if he'll be here when I get back. :(


We loaded the car and I looked around one last time at our house.  My parents had wet eyes. I was exhausted as I climbed into the car and was glad we had a five hour drive to Salt Lake from Boise.  Natalia had to stay home due to state volleyball practice but she would fly in on Wednesday to join us.


We first stopped at Aunt Chris and Uncle Craig's home for one last hug.  Thank you for being so good to me while I was at the Y!  I love your family!  I felt so welcome in your home!  Thank you Aunt Chris for all your special words and honesty!  Thank you Uncle Craig for tenderness when I told you I wanted to serve.  


We quickly drove to the Y's campus where I met up with Austin in the library for one last hug!  I am sad to not experience this year at school with you Austin!  You may be married by the time I return!  Austin kept telling me how excited he was for me and that "the language would come!"  Love you Austin!


We then met Gabby (our family's fifth child and a favorite!) at the Richard's building!  We hugged and walked.  Gabs you saved me a few times at the Y this past year.  I am so glad you are part of my life...forever!  As we were driving away Gabby motioned to roll down my window and yelled "knock 'em dead Queller!"  You are the best Gabby!


Maddy Hendricks met us in Salt Lake.  Maddy and I cried!  Such great times last year together!  I'm coming back for more Maddy!  You were such a big part of my life last year!  Thank you for everything!  I love you!  


We checked into our hotel and I talked on FaceTime, called or sent texts with a few of my friends. ( I had also done this on Sunday and Monday night hoping not to miss anyone. ) I love my friends!  They are a huge part of my life!  I have friends on missions that have written with love their advice and encouragement.  I have always been blessed with really good friends!


We weren't able to connect with Uncle Kyle and Aunt Melissa's family so we talked via FaceTime!  I love you all!  And I'm coming for another Sunday Favorites dinner in 18!  Be ready Melissa!  Kyle I think you have an understanding of what I'm headed for in Poland - thanks for your faith in me!


Then I spoke with Juls who has know me since a baby and was my mom's roommate.  She read me a few scriptures she found while thinking about me leaving.


Proverbs 31:25 Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

Psalms 34:19  The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and seventh such as be of a contrite spirit.

Juls - you'll always be a part of my life!  I love you!  I love your kids!

Afterwards I said goodbye to Grandma Jackie.  She kept calling me "brave granddaughter."  I love you Grandma Jackie!  You do so much for our family!  I will think of you and smile at your funny comments and love!  And...I will try to be brave!

We had family prayer and I tried to sleep.

Monday, October 26, 2015

Setting Apart - Boise, Idaho

My Stake President Andy Skoggins came over to our house on Monday night.  My immediate family was there.  I felt ready and wanted to keep moving forward.  I was both excited and dreading the MTC drop off. I also knew saying goodbye would be hard.

President Skoggins talked and laughed with us.  After about twenty minutes, he turned towards and asked me if I was ready to be set apart.  I nodded.  I was at peace.  

My dad and President Skoggins laid their hands upon my head.  I was blessed with many of the things I worried about: patience, language skills, knowledge, leadership, love for "MY" people.  It was so still in the room.  It answered so many concerns.

Afterwards I didn't have much to say, but the hugs and tears from my family and President Skoggins spoke loudly.

I was a missionary.  

Siostra Raquel Jaclyn DeMordaunt!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

My Endowments - Twin Falls Temple - Twin Falls, Idaho





My endowments (promises with the Lord) were taken out in the Twin Falls Temple.

It was a beautiful fall day.  My parents and I drove an hour and a half from Boise that morning to Twin Falls.  

I had read and prayed trying to prepare as much as possible.     The matrons were so kind and I loved the intimacy of this temple.  It was sacred time for me and my parents.  I felt a little older as I left or maybe a little more responsible.  

I thought it was beautiful.  The Plan of Salvation is the center of everything we are.  The Lord loves us. 

When we were leaving a lady stopped us to tell me that she was in Poland for the building of the Warsaw Chapel in 1989 and how much she loved the Poles!

Sunday, October 18, 2015

Farewell and Brunch - Barber Valley Ward - Boise East Stake - Boise, Idaho


Grandma and Granda DeMordaunt!
(Thank you for all your support!  And for your example!)
My BFF roommate Brynnlee Bird! 
(Mama Mia forever! We missed you Mel!)
Cousin Austin 

(He was 6 weeks off of his mission to Denmark 
- we hadn't seen each other 4 years!)
Forever friends Ryan and Juls Rassmusen!
(We missed you Paige and Abby! 

Thanks Juls for the Cinnaknots!)

Aunt Chris (the strada master!) and Uncle Craig
and my cousins Emily, Allison, Bennett and Weston!
Cousins and my sibs:  

Isaac, Natalia,  Austin, myself, Sophia, Emily, 
Allison, Weston, Thomas, Dean and  Bennett 
(a few cousins are missing from this picture!)
My cousins are good looking!?

Uncle Joey and Aunt Becky who were there for 24 hours and made things happen!  
(I love you more than you know! 
I loved your mission stories Uncle Joey!)
My cousins Dean and Thomas!

(You'll keep me smiling!  Just wish I had your energy!)
My sweet cousin Chloe!  

(Chloe I'll never forget your hug after my talk!
Thanks Uncle Kevin for your big heart with my family!  I love you and Chloe!)

Jammin' girls: Angel Abaya and Teresa Cortens!  
(I'm coming back to jam in 18 even if you're famous!)
Aunt Krissy and Uncle BJ!

(I love you and will take a part of BJs whit with me!)
Grandma Jackie!



Friends! 
Teresa Cortens 
(You're one of the most true people I know!)
 Val Kempton 
(No words...I'll miss everything about you!  I'm counting on a future full of Val!)
Aunna Erickson
(Love you girl!  Not sure how I'll survive without our random texting!)

Here are a few random things I want to record about my farewell:

*The night before we had a family dinner and a few of my friends came.  I am so mad we didn't take a picture!  

*It was a day full of friends and family!  I was so grateful for all the support and love!  So many of you traveled for a quick 48 hour or less trip -thank you all for making the effort!  Thanks to all that couldn't make it - you were there in spirit and heart!  I love you.   I know I'll think back on things you said but most of all on how you supported me. You give me strength! 


*After much thought and prayer, I decided to speak at the church service on love because of how much love I've felt from our Heavenly Father, Christ and my friends and family.  I have chosen LOVE to be my mission motto!  


*I was grateful I was asked to choose the hymns!  Music can invite the Spirit and is one of my all-time favorite things in this world!

    Opening Hymn - How Firm a Foundation
    Sacrament - I Stand All Amazed
    Musical Number (piano solo by Brooke Ricks) How Great     Thou Art
    Closing - Called to Serve

*My aunts and uncles helping in the kitchen - cutting fruit, making strada, frosting my favorite chocolate cupcakes at midnight!  My mom and dad were so grateful for your help!  Thank you!

*The moment I realized I was saying good bye and that this was "it" for 18 months!  I hadn't thought about this fact happening at my farewell!

*That night I felt so good when I went to bed.  My day was complete with the Spirit, my family and friends! 

*There are so many of you that came to support me or sent me a text or message - the Christensens, Sontaggs, Wiskirchens, Brands, Uncle Reed and the list continues - THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  THANK YOU!  I hope to take all of your love and share it with others in my path!  Dziękuję!