Training to serve a mission

Training July 11 - 22, 2011

The Em. Tee. Sea.

Wonderful training.  Spirited young returned missionaries teaching old dogs new tricks.  And staying at the Provo Marriott or the Creek's home at night.  How do you explain the feeling of going into the cafeteria and eating side by side with 2,000 to 3,000 young elders and sisters?  Hearing their stories brought tears to our eyes more than once.  Meeting with Elder C and another Elder C to obtain their perspective was wonderful.  We have memories we will never forget...I think.  Here are a few photos to mark the events of these pivotal two weeks:

My 'companion' is the hunkiest!

San Pablo.  Never heard of it.  Naga, Manila, Cebu.  Yes.  San Pablo?  Nope.  However, I can put my finger on the Philippines.  Somewhere over here, on the other side of the world...14 hour time difference.  Most days I am excited.  Everyday, a little nervous.  I have never lived outside of the U.S.  And it's far from my g'babies.  Some I will meet when they can run away from me.  Tears.  But, a prophet is a prophet.  I love him.  He is good, kind, funny, and he speaks for GOD!  

Our senior study group was awesome, and our trainers were the very best.  These other couples inspire me.  Our group is splitting up and heading to California, New Jersey and Paris, France.  Oh, and the Philippines!  That's us!

Travel arrangements are FINAL!  We are getting on a plane in a few hours.  Three consolations; I love my companion!  I will love my Filipino family!  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the real deal!

My momma planned a dessert night as a final sendoff.  We took this photo to make my sister Cathleen smile.  Creek women:  Mother and 4 daughters,  (Heather stands in for Cathleen)

Goodbye to 4 of the most fabulous kids on the planet (Raylie stands in for Britni)!!!  These kiddos hung out until our taillights were out of sight.  I love them forever!

My life with Lane has had 7 chapters, each of them 2 years on average.  Orlando, Little Rock, Lauderdale, South Jordan, West Jordan, Manhattan, and Salt Lake City.  The Philippines chapter begins!


I really am grateful to have the health, ability, and opportunity to fulfill this 2 year assignment.


I am Carolyn.  A wife, momma and g'momma.  My dreams have all come true!

H O M E

U.S.A. and FAMILY

 We are so thrilled to be home!

If only for a few weeks.

We are excited for the next 20 days.

Here's the line up...

Introduction to Alta. She is sweet!

Cherished family time at the

The Kelley cabin

(Kelley Klan - Thanks for sharing and hosting)

 Amanda takes Jamie and Sam for a ride.

Combined birthday lunch with my BFF

(Lora, I love you! And not just for the fantastic airbrush job.)

We love slurpees!

A final puzzle challenge with my dad.  

(Challenging because we had no picture.)

Tom and Shalaun planned a BEE's Game

 cheering section:  Hills, Howells,

 Kelleys,

 Bullocks

Garden peas

courtesy of Sam, Jamie and Greg

Our "lives savings" in 60 boxes

...40 boxes too many!

We would drive to Gardnerville again just for the hamburgers

(and to hear X play her oboe)

Got pepper?

A souvenir photo completes each tour of Jami's house

Raylie loves me!

Shalaun always knew that Tom was a swinging' guy

"If-your-happy-and-you-know-it" eat some crab!

Perfect timing for Davids baptism day

Following in the footsteps of Jesus

Baptism by immersion with priesthood authority

Tagg turns two and whomps on his pinata cake  

(Mer - that was awesome!)

Lane and I also volunteered on Wednesdays and Thursdays at the church offices in SLC.  As for my personal plans?  I am racing to get my personal shopping done.  It's been daunting for me.  I finally bought some clothes last night as a last resort.  Nothing I can get too excited about but I have to learn that that's not the point of sister missionary clothes.  I have a huge to-do list...but particularly my nose doctor, my foot doctor, my driver's license renewed, my computer email/facebook/address files and calendar all synced and ready for the road, my hair dyed and something else....oh, PACK.  

And as few teary good-byes as possible.  No fussing.  Monday is just another day.

Hug those cute kids!!!!!  xoxoxoxo
Love you, Momma and Dad

Carolyn and Lane