Getting Ready!

So, as of today, I have 50 days until I leave. Right now I am just working hard and enjoying time with my family. I have just a few odds and ends and then half of my clothes is all I need. Life is amazing. I love ready Preach My Gospel and the scriptures. When I read them, I feel like I am being prepared. It has kind of changed my outlook on life. I have gained more trust in Christ. I am so thankful for this blessing in my life.

I am been looking for information on Bolivia. I found one website, www.boliviabella.com . It gives so much information on Bolivia. Like, that Bolivians have a snack everyday at 11:00. They are called Saltenas. I was reading off the recipe and my mom thought they sounded disgusting. They do have Chinese restaurants and Mexican restaurants. I think food will be very surprising to me.

It is one of the wettest zones in earth. It has 8000 millimeters of rainfall a year. There is 20 official languages. The world's largest Butterfly Sanctuary is located in Santa Cruz. Bolivia is the number one country for certified tropical forests. Bolivia has the two highest cities. There is 9 states in Bolivia and Santa Cruz is the biggest city. There is no carpet in the houses, just a type of tile. Most of the houses have huge walls, as a security measure.

There is so much information to learn about Bolivia. I am so excited to go visit this country and get to know the Bolivian people!!!!!!

Mission Prep

So I am coming along with all of my mission prep stuff! I bought my luggage at the Missionary Mall this past week and bought all of my shoes yesterday. (I love my new running shoes. I ran 4 miles last night to break in my new shoes!!!) Looking over the list, I only have a shirts and some other random clothes and then random items that I will need for everyday life. My list is getting smaller every day. I know that my mission is the right decision for me. I know that I am suppose to go to Bolivia. Every day I receive confirmation that I am doing the right thing. I love being able to focus on the gospel and preparing myself.

I am so thankful for everyone that has helped me get ready for my mission. Grandma and Grandpa Siebert bought my luggage and some other random stuff. My Grandma Broome bought all of my temple clothes. My aunts and Uncles on my mom's side bought me new scriptures. My brother, Craig, bought me a new pocket hymnbook. My parents have bought a lot of stuff. They have been so helpful with helping me get ready. I wouldn't be able to go if it wasn't for them. I love them so much and am very thankful for their willingness to help me.

So some exciting stuff.....65 days until I leave on my mission.....Brad Paisley Concert on September 24th.....Kristine's birthday is today! Yep exciting stuff! I love it!!!

Temple

On August 19th, I went through the temple! The temple I choose to go through was the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple. My brothers and their wifes were there, Craig and Annie, Jared and Chrissy. My mom and Grandma Siebert were my escorts. My dad and grandpa Siebert were also there. It was just plain amazing! I love the temple and I look forward to returning often. Before I leave on my mission, my goal is to go to every temple in Utah. So far I have been to two, Oquirrh Mountain and Ogden.

I know that I am suppose to serve a mission. Every day, i get another confirmation that I am making the right decision. Everything is falling into place. I am so excited that this is the right decision for me.

So far on my HUGE shopping list, I have gotten my luggage, most of my outfits, first aid stuff, new scriptures, passport, and other little stuff. Right now I am working on renewing my license and finishing the application for my Visa. The process is coming along very well. The next big thing that I need to get is 4 shoes. 3 nice black shoes to wear with my dresses, and then 1 pair of tennis shoes for RUNNING!

Some new things that I have found out is that there is a little fish that lives in the mud. When it rains down there, the fishes come to the water and swims around. (when it rains, it floods.) When the water dries up, some of the fishes are caught on top and die. The Bolivian people go and catch these fish and put them in their soups and other meals. I have also found out that I will not have a washing machine. It will all be hand washed. Bolivia is the poorest country in South America. While looking at pictures I have found that the bigger cities are nicer then the little villages outside of the city. The villages outside of the city, the look a little run down and poorer then the cities. Some cities in the pictures shows cars and paved roads. Other pictures of the cities show dirt houses and roads. I am excited to get down there and actually see for myself what it really looks like. :)