My own Mission Story - Denver edition

Hello!!
So my whole life I have wanted to serve a mission, as I saw my cousins going.  I went away to college and dated boys but had a mission in the back of my mind.  I really hoped I would still be single when I turned 21 becuase I wanted that opportunity.  I guess I made that happen.  My bad. Anyways, my sophomore year of college, I'm 19 years old and just loving life.  I wasn't getting asked out on hardly any dates and I was thinking, why is nothing working for me.? But it was fine, I was having a bawl with my roommates and a group of fun guys. 
Saturday October 5th was the day that changed my life.  I was watching conference with one of my best friends who had driven up from Arizona to visit me.  President Monson stood up to welcome us all, and I just was so excited for conference.  He goes on and makes a history changing announcement, that young men can now serve missions at 18. I was so happy for them, knowing that many more young men would serve because of that. Then he said,  "As we prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service we have also given consideration to the age at which young women might serve. Today, I'm pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."  I was instantly bawling hot happy tears.  I knew I was going in that moment.  I know that that announcement affected so many young women, and families, and sad boyfriends haha, and the whole world but in that moment I felt as if President Monson was looking me right in the eye and saying, "Makinzie.  You can serve, NOW." The whole day I could not stop crying.  My mom came into the room crying too.  She knew I would be going.  My cousin txted me and asked if I would be turning my mission papers in the next day. haha.  My family knows me. The whole conference in every talk all I heard was MISSIONARY WORK!!! I especially loved Jeffrey R. Holland's talk "The First Great Commandment."   <<<(Check it out, it is an AMAZING talk!)  I was thinking, Yes! I love the Lord, and so that's all I wanted to do, was feed His sheep, and preach His gospel. Hoping that I could find just one soul to bring the joy of the Gospel to. 
After I realized that this was going to happen, I wondered if I would drop school but something told me that I needed to just finish out the year of school. I knew that my life and priorities would definitely need to change so that I could prepare to serve the Lord.
My roommate decided to serve a mission after the fall semester, she got called to the LA mission.  She is a firecracker. Her and I both got on a sister missionary facebook group and they were planning a huge get together to say thank you to President Monson for changing the age.  We met at temple square and it was snowing, but that didn't phase us at all.  I was just amazed at all of the BEAUTIFUL sisters around me.  I didn't know any of them but I just loved them.  I thought, there is an amazing wave of sisters that are going to be going out into the world, and there is no telling what difference they will be making! I was just moved to tears. (for those that know me, know that that isn't a hard thing but anyways...) I started the process of mission papers (which definitely had it's frustrating moments but I was learning patience!) I met with my Bishop and Stake President and that was quite the experience.  haha. Long story.
In the meantime, for the spring semester I auditioned to be in the Latter-Day Voices choir at the Logan Institute.  I didn't think I was going to make it, but thought, hey why not try! I made it and that started one of the best experiences of my life thus far. I will hopefully write another blog post on that experience itself.  But that was the best possible mission prep I could've ever done.  I learned so much about the Atonement and felt the Spirit so strongly.  I had some amazing experiences. 
On February 22nd I received my mission call, but couldn't open it because I wanted to be with my family, so I waited with it staring at me for 3 days until I could go home. 
My mom was so cute and festive and had snacks from all over the world to represent different countries I could be going to.  All the while I had been feeling that I would probably be called stateside (which was a great feeling) but I went into the call opening knowing that no matter where I was called was where the Lord needed me.  I trusted Him completely.  My family and a few of my best friends were there, and I was so excited!
I read... "Dear Sister Hunter,  You are hereby called ot serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  You are assigned to labor in the Colorado Denver North Mission. (at first I thought it said columbia and I thought oh boy)I would be leaving MAY 15TH! WOW!  I was crying and just was so happy. My grandma wasn't impressed with Denver but I was so happy.  My mom was so relieved I wasn't going to south America or somewhere. I called my brother Cade and he didn't believe me. He thought I was pulling his leg. I was like "Cade now you're making me feel bad. I'm really going to Denver!" haha.
Then came the months of preparation and finishing school, and enjoying my time with my roommates! I moved home on my birthday, and had a week and half to spend with my family and friends.  It was a really great week. I wish I could've had two more weeks, leaving now, I will only miss one Christmas. Mama Sheri is happy about that!
Last Sunday, on Mother's day, I had my farewell.  I felt so bad that my mom had to give up her mother's day to help me with my farewell dinner, but she was so gracious, so wonderful!  My stepdad Bart picked the theme to be Denver Broncos colors and so it was way fun! I had so many friends and family give up time away from their mothers to hear me speak and I was so overwhelmed.  It was such a beautiful day.  I love the people in my life.  I'm surrounded by such good people. 
So I'm headed into the MTC in 2 days! wew. This wednesday is the day! I'm so sad to leave my family, but I know it is what I'm to do, and I'm so excited to serve the people of Denver. And to write one very exciting, interesting, great, weird, tiring, lovely, and wonderful story.  My very own mission story: Denver edition.

My mom will be taking over my blog to post emails that I send to her, and pictures.  I hope you enjoy!  From me to you, Kinzie Lou!