I was also excited to go to Idaho this weekend to see some friends. Two of my best friends from high school have their mission calls and are leaving within the next two weeks. Heidi is going to Thailand and Lara is going to Armenia. Tough missions but they will do great! It was fun to have our little group together before they leave!
A lot of my friends are just starting to get back from their missions. One of my friends, Josh Jenkins, got back about a month ago. We have gone to school together since Kindergarten and he's always been a good friend. I was finally going to be able to see him on Sunday for the first time since he has gotten back, but I was never able to. On Saturday night I found out that Josh was killed in an avalanche earlier that day. It felt like someone had punched me in the stomach. It was hard for me to understand why such a good guy lost his life so early. My little brother John told me that now would be probably be one of the best times for him to die. I agree. Josh just got done with a very successful mission. I know that he grew and had his testimony strengthened a ton on his mission. He wrote me some amazing letters while he was gone and I got to read his powerful testimony. It was neat to see how much he had changed. Even for the short time he had been home, he continued his missionary service by helping the Elders in Idaho Falls. I'm going to miss Josh, but I know that he is happier now. I am praying for his family and friends that he left behind. This whole experience has really made me grateful for all I have. I am thankful for this church and the blessings it has brought to me. I am so grateful that I have to opportunity to be sealed to my family. It is such a comfort to me that Ryan and I are sealed together forever. No matter what happens, we will be together!
