Arrived Safely in Mexico!

Hey Familia! 

I love you soooo much and am so happy I am finally here!! I had an amazing experience on the plane from Dallas to Mexico City I talked to a man for the whole duration which was like 3 hours!! He said how he could feel my excitement and I told him it was probably the spirit touching his heart. I got his info and am going to give it to the missionaries and he also wants to email me. He is from the bay area. It is amazing who Heavenly Father puts in our lives like HOLY COW I was not expecting that. When he sat down by me I was actually quite scared because he had an eyebrow piercing and earrings plus a black beanie.... so you really can never judge a book by its cover. I can not believe I already had that amazing experience. He told me he was going to pray and I taught him how to. I feel so so so happy. It wasn't fun not having my immunizations but thanks so much mom for having them on had! We had cold pizza for dinner so that rocked! My companions name is Hermana Brown. She is cute but we haven't got to know each other really yet...she is from Idaho! Sister Christiansen was very kind and it has been great. I am here safe but the driving to get to the CCM was nuts. Just like in Honduras. Everyone was so scared and it was fun. The campus is HUMONGOUS I don't know if that is a word but it is huge. I am in District 12 just like the Hunger Games and apparently they always sing the song and do the sign so that will be amazing!! I MISS YOU but am so excited and nervous and ready to go but scared all at the same time. This is the true gospel and I will talk to you more on Monday! 

P.s. I have to give the first prayer in Spanish and I know no Spanish so that will be awesome.

Much love, xoxoxox

Hermana Ivory Pentelute

Departure Day, Airport Goodbyes, Bittersweet

The Lord heard a momma's grumblings and listened to my pleadings to have my firstborn home for one more Christmas before leaving! Unexpectedly we got a letter saying that Ivory's departure date was moved to December 27. 2013. Hooray! We spent a lot of time together over the holiday, doing our regular traditions and squeezing in some extra family fun. Ivory chose Costa Vida for our last dinner together before she was set apart. And of course, ice cream from Macey's! President Miles came to the house to set Ivory apart as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It was a special blessing and a great experience for the whole family. We were sad, but excited for the adventure she was embarking on and the great example she was setting for our family. The next morning was so early!!!! We drove up to the airport to drop off our girl for 18 months - such a hard thing to do. Grandma & Grandpa came, too. Also, since Aunt Stacey was working, she was able to see Ivory at the gate! After hugs and tears and pictures and more hugs and tears and goodbyes, Ivory saw her friend, Kenzie Laycock, who was leaving for her mission at the same time. What a comfort to have someone you know on your flight. Farewell Hermana Pentelute - see you in 18 months!

The Farewell

We only have two pictures from the Farewell - we were a little busy getting things ready and apparently forgot to take pictures. Ivory had a full house at the church for her talk and she did an amazing job - so great! It was a cold, wintery, wet, slushy day and our house was packed top to bottom for the dinner after church. We served different soups and breadsticks and salad and treats. It was a bit of a madhouse, but I know Ivory felt the love for her! So fun to have family and friends here to support and celebrate these momentous occasions. 

Mission Photos

What a beautiful girl ready to serve the Lord! So excited for the people of Minnesota to get Ivory for 18 months. She will be ready to work hard and share her love of the gospel and her Savior, Jesus Christ. Our sweet neighbors, the Chapmans, brought Ivory this Minnesota flag when she got her call.

Endowment Day

We were so excited for Ivory to go through the temple and take out her endowment. She was excited and nervous and we were so proud of this awesome girl who was making a choice to serve the Lord and her brothers and sisters in Minnesota. Grandma & Grandpa & Marianne were at the temple with us. Grandma got Ivory her temple dress. It was a beautiful, sunny fall day and a great moment in our family history - first child to go through the temple!

Opening the Call

Much anticipation for this special day and finally the call has here! Ivory invited friends and family over for the opening of the call. Everyone had made their guesses and we were so anxious to find out. Who would have thought the Minnesota, Minneapolis Mission - Spanish speaking? No one had guessed that! We were so excited for Ivory to be going stateside, but also getting the opportunity to learn a language and to go to the MTC in Mexico. She would have a little bit of a foreign experience and then come back to the good ole USA! Ivory was excited and nervous and unsure of what lay ahead. Her original call was to leave on December 18, 2013. I was NOT excited about that. Sister missionaries really only have to miss 1 Christmas, so the fact that she had to leave a week before Christmas did not make me happy. We were so grateful for the love and support and excitement of our family & friends on this special day.