Mostly Marissa: 2 YEARS.

2 years. Those two words have been ringing in my ears these past few days. Why? Because I'm right in the middle of two years that have changed me and the past and will yet change me in the future.

PAST.

Two years ago from this very weekend, (General Conference) the age change for missionaries became from 19 year old young men to 18. As well as 21 to 19 for young women. I can remember sitting there not really paying attention and the change was announced. My mom started crying and I wondered what it was about. (My mom has really good eye plumbing...all of us inherited it from her.) We rewinded it and it was so life changing. That very day, Adam and my dad talked about starting his mission papers. By the end of the month (October 31st.) Adam received his call to serve the people of Torreon, Mexico for two years. I didn't expect those next two years to be so rough.

PRESENT.

Just a couple weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be a missionary for a few hours as a missionary experience for my ward. (We got dressed up as missionaries, and went to people in the ward and had dinner with them and taught a lesson.--just like missionaries!) It was an amazing experience. I was excited--yet very nervous--for it! It taught me that missionary work is hard. It's difficult to express how you feel, but it's so worth it! I HIGHLY, HIGHLY suggest doing this activity for your young men and women in your ward. It's hard work, but it's so worth it! I'm so glad I had the opportunity.

I honestly can't be happier than I am with the choices I've made to this point in my life. Certainly not without trial and hardship but I'm very pleased with the person I've become. I have the best family, friends, teachers, leaders, and all around examples in my life. Anyone I've met has made me become a better person. And I thank you for that! But I thank my Heavenly Father and brother Jesus Christ. Without their examples I wouldn't have this crazy, stressful, spiritual, tiring, laughable life I have. I can't wait to see what my future holds and to be able to learn through experiences and trials.

FUTURE.

Two years from now, I could be doing one of two things;

-At college working to be the best person I can be and learning much and getting a degree.--note: NOT MARRIED.

-I could be serving the Lord on a mission wherever he decides to take me.

Right now, I'm in the middle of the choices I've made in the past and will make in the future. I can't believe the happiness, sadness, and all around joy I've felt and will yet feel in these past two years and next two years to come. Maybe I'll still be blogging then and can remember this post.--No promises!

~Two years seems like an eternity in the moment, but it's not! I can't wait to see what kind of future I will have and will yet to learn from my past and present. Surely, Full of Smiles!~

Now for some pictures of the present!

Shining our light!--Tanner came to Orange Territory...

Because Bryan felt left out.

A friendship divided!

Companions! Sister Bergout and Sister Barnes.

My testimony of Christ, Missionary Work, and the Gospel grew so much!

The White Rail District.

Some of me best pals.

And other fantastic people.

As well as a non-choirite being on the choir homecoming float.

Bonfire with me frannnns.

Because this is how we roll.

Riley rocked it!

Football game!

Some of my favorite people ever! #mywhitefriends

The ginger, cow, and asian. Oh, and a surf.

JANITORS FOR LYFE! I haven't seen Caitlyn in FOREVER! So you can imagine how happy I was finally seeing her! Oh, and there's Faith. I see her like everyday.