Pre-Mission Bucket List

Pre-Mission Bucket List

Here are a few things I am aiming to do before I leave for the mish for 18 months, and not all are in a particular order:

1. [ ] Finish this semester and finals and do well on them. I didn't realize how much of a struggle this can be! Focus, Rachel, focus. There's only about a week and a half left!

2. [ ] This includes finishing my final project--a new mission skirt (almost done! Pics will come soon :) )

 3. [ ] And finishing this semester also includes studying more into missionary work in my New Testament class. If any of you

don't know much about Paul, study about him!! His lessons taught and example are powerful!

4. [ ] Cross the finish line at the Salt Lake Half Marathon. One more week baby!

5. [ ] Write a thank you letter for my scholarship that I received again for the school year.

6. [ ] Go through the temple to receive my endowment.(And once I go through, attend weekly.)

7. [ ] Finish the Book of Mormon again.

8. [ ]Go Swimming a few times.

9. [ ]Go hiking a few times (Tymp Cave? I hope so! Maybe even Mt. Olympus?)

10. [ ] Finish the T-Shirt quilt I'm attempting to make with all my good ol' BHS shirts. I'm not expecting it to look any bit professional, but hey, I'll have it when I get back.

11. [ ] Run the Great Strides walk/run, as well as Millie's Princess run again. (More info here and here .)

12. [ ] Stay in touch with friends, which includes writing letters to those on missions.

13. [ ] Go on movie dates with my bro Brandon, since they will be free and we can get a good share ;)

14. [ ] Go to the Zoo.

15. [ ] Go to a baseball game.

16. [ ] Go to Disneyland with the fam! I caaaaaan't wait. (There will be another to do list for that.)

17. [ ] Catch up a little on my American history so I won't look like a complete fool.

18. [ ] Leave with no regrets. :)

Footprints in the Sand

Lately I've been thinking a little bit about the mission. As mentioned, and will be mentioned many times, I am thrilled. I am curious. I am amazed.

My mama called the mission home today with some concerns about my insurance records getting transferred, my mission president knowing about CF, and all that jazz. The person over the phone told her everything--how I already have a mission Dr, who is over 10 missions, but is always available if I need help right away, as well as making appointments with my CF doc or setting up, if needed, hospitalizations.

On top of that, there are several people with CF going to Boston for a mission (say whaaaa??) I know, crazy! But they even make strong precautions to make sure we're not in the same zone or anywhere near each other during transfers to avoid any spread of harmful infections or illnesses.

They also said Boston is where a lot of missionaries with health issues get sent to since they have some of the best medical care (did I mention one of the hospitals there with a CF clinic was ranked number one in the nation last year?) There are even 2 with brain tumors who will be serving in Boston soon. I don't know their names, and even if I did, I wouldn't reveal their information in respect to their personal privacy.

This made me think a little bit more. It amazes me to know we are not alone and there are no coincidences. There are many out there with "Invisible Illnesses," but there is help readily available. These mission leaders care. There are many like my future mission Dr. and nurse who are on missions themselves to take care of and serve those who are going forth to bring the world his truth. I realized we are all a team to build each other up. They serving missionaries by providing them care and making sure their needs are met by all costs.

It also amazes me to see people's dedication and willingness to serve. I don't know who these people are and there are many who may have an invisible illness besides myself, but their bravery amazes me and inspires me to do better and work harder. Although I have Cystic Fibrosis, I know I'm not the only one who has challenges, and that our Heavenly Father is there for each of us during our trials. It brings so much hope to know we will never be let go or left alone. This mission may have a few challenges, but I will say this now and probably many times from now on, I know I'll be in good hands.  :)

Thinking about the trials I have faced, face, or may have to face later on reminds me of this poem:

And I just couldn't resist posting a picture of the stunning temple

I have been assigned to.....

It finally came--the envelope that I was never sure if I would actually hold finally came in the mail! So maybe I went home between classes, saw the mail man, waited for him to leave, then sneaked over to the mailbox and screeched when I found it inside...

But then I had to wait. Last week was one of the most chaotic weeks of all weeks--cleaning check, 3 midterms, a project, fafsa/scholarship applications due, meeting with advisers, and more. It felt like a train wreck. I wanted to wait until it was all done to open the call so I could fully focus on the joy of the moment with my family and friends.

The day before I opened it, of course, my mom said in the car, "You know Rachel, your disability was approved, so you could go outside of Utah." I said "No mom, I already put on the application I was covered under Utah Medicaid so I could only stay in Utah." So right then in my head I was thinking "Great. Just great. Rachel, you may have just messed up the Lord's will with where you were supposed to be by being impatient to turn your papers in, but you will enjoy it wherever you go in Utah."

So, Saturday finally came! The day was long and there were errands to be completed, but the time finally came as soon as my brother burst through the door from his choir concert. He was gone all day and I would have gone to his earlier one, but unfortunately it was too expensive and he had to drive the car to hurry home after. I had people on Skype as well as my family and friend Maddie with her sister. It was my first time Skyping so it became a little disruptive, but my dad was in Arizona and I wanted to talk to him. So after some tech chaos, were were finally able to settle down. I had already told everyone who asked about the mission I was serving in Utah, so after offering an opening prayer, hoping desperately to feel the spirit despite the tech chaos, it was quiet and I carefully opened the call, not wanting to hurt any part of it.

I started reading my name and realized it was the address, so then I read the first line with a piece of paper right below it so I wouldn't see. I couldn't stop smiling as I read "Dear Sister Roy, you have been called as a missionary of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the..." I smacked the call right up to my mouth as my eyes bulged out. I then hauled over and the tears came as my brother said, "Well, I don't think she's going to Salt Lake."

I had to take a moment to talk through my tears, "You have been assigned to the Massachusetts Boston Mission..."

Immediately the cries and cheers from my finally rang out, which seemed a little distant as I couldn't believe what I just read. I will never forget the special feeling of seeing that. It felt perfect. Absolutely perfect. I continued reading the rest of the letter, feeling overwhelmed with joy. I even did a fist pump when I saw that I will be speaking English, because to be honest, I didn't really want to take the time to learn another language and not be able to speak fluently.

I was in shock. I was expecting Utah, but instead, I was going to fly across the country to the furthest I've ever been (yes, I've been outside of Utah, and the furthest was Florida). The rest of the night was filled with more phone calls and such, and I only slept for 3 hours that night from excitement and questions flooding. I started looking up a little bit about Boston, including the hospital where the CF center is. It looks stunning! Since I felt it was special and I could already feel a close tie with the docs there, I decided to look at its ranking, as I discovered last night that it was ranked as the number one hospital in the nation last year! At this point, I'm ready to embrace whatever happens. I feel peace. If a hospital clean-out comes along,  and with all the regular clinic visits, I know I'll be in good hands. Everything is working out so well and it's no coincidence I was assigned to Boston. I look forward to sharing this gospel that has changed my life with others. I can't wait! Boston...here I come!! :) July 3rd seems far away, but I know it will come up before I know it.