MTC

Well, today Courtney Entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo Utah.  She will be there for 6 weeks, as she trains, learns the language & culture of Fiji, and immerses herself in the Missionary life.
We arrived in Provo and met Celena & the boys for Lunch at Noodles and Co.  Then did the long awaited Drive up to the Provo temple to take pictures.  We lounged on the lawn for a few minutes, while all of us took turns telling out Favorite Courtney stories.  We laughed and teared a little.

It was an emotional afternoon, But as the time came to drop her off, She was so ready and calm.  She hugged us all before we got in the car.  We drove down the Missionary lined Driveway into the MTC.  It was a surreal feeling knowing you are dropping off your daughter for 18 months.
She was calm, and a little teary.  But she hugged us all one more time, while dad got out her suitcases.  A cute Sister Missionary came up to greet us with a huge smile on her face.  Introduced herself. Asked Courtney her name, and said "we'll take good care of her.. She is going to LOVE it here"

 Then they both grabbed her bags, and walked away.  Courtney didn't even look back.  Just like she always has.  She makes her choices in life.  Knows they are good, and it gives her the freedom and confident  to not look back, just go forward.

Good bye Sister Rich!!!  Till we meet again!  

Farewell Sunday

Today was a great Day!  All my Family and Friends came to Church to hear my talk.  I felt a little overwhelmed with how many people were there.  But I could also feel the love and felt relaxed and confident as I started to talk.   Mom and Sharon decorated so cute for a perfect good bye party, Everything was set up so cute.  We were going to serve Smores and Root Beer Floats, and right at 6:00 as the time to start the party, It started to rain.  It put a little damper on the party, but it till turned out so fun!  No pictures of the Party only the set up.  :)

Preparing

there is only one place in this world that i can go and feel overwhelming peace and comfort... 

the temple

2 months and counting...

2 months and counting until i start this amazing adventure. I never would have thought that this california girl born and raised would give up her life, her cell phone, contact with her mom, family and friends, her bed, and even her food and dedicate herself to serving the Lord for 18 months of her life. I have the opportunity of a life time that, as a 19 year old, I never thought I would get. But one little tiny announcement from President Thomas S. Monson, in October 2012 General Conference, not only changed my mind but hunderds, no THOUSANDS of Young Womens minds about the next few years  they'd experience. As i'm sure many girls felt, this is a direct excerpt from my journal that day...

"So many things can happen in a day. You can grow up, mature and learn if you really want too. Everyday you can do anything you want, doors are opened every second of the day. You have to keep your mind and heart open to all the possibilities the world gives you, and today i was given the opportunity of a lifetime. i'm taking advantage of the feeling i received when this door was opened and i'm not passing this one up. 'Straight is the gate & narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,  & few there be that findeth'"....

I knew so many girls we were able to turn their papers in and they did, but me being the youngin' i am, couldn't turn them in until February 21st! I was DYING... literally wanted to get out of here as soon as i could! My papers were submitted on exactly february 21st and then the waiting game began... we waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and finally.....  

I am definitely not a computer genius and couldn't figure out how to get this of of facebook an put it up so here is the link if you would like to watch it...

Anyways,

i cannot believe how incredibly blessed i am to be able to serve the people of Fiji for 18 months. I already have such a great love for them and hope that when i get there i can help them as much as they will help me! i love watching peoples reaction when i tell them where i am going! Their faces are absolutely priceless! The shock stage is still in process and i have been told that it will not go away until you get home.. but i was put immediately to work with the paper work, immigration papers, passport and immunizations. 

it was quickly finished and sent in and now the waiting game continues and the count down keeps getting smaller and smaller. it went from triple digits to double digits. and before we know it, it will be single digits! I am currently at 72 days and the number is getting smaller! July 31st could not come fast enough. but for now, i guess i will just continue with my everyday life. Loving the people here in Redlands, spending all the time i can with my amazing family and friends, eating all the Chipotle, Panera, and Chic-fil-a i can! I am so lucky to have the support of my family and and beyond grateful for my parents and how much they are sacrificing for me to go on this amazing adventure! I love you guys all the way to Fiji...

Sister Courtney Rich(: