Hourglass Memories: "There Are No True Endings, Only Everlasting Beginnings." -President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sherry, Jason, Caleb, Haley, and me.

Five AM. The sun is about to rise, and the bitter cold has driven us back into the building. Sherry, Haley, Caleb, Jason and I have been outside since 12:00 A.M. cuddling, chatting, laughing, singing, and creating a final memory for the last night of my freshman year. My memory filled dorm room has now been stripped of all its happy decorations, so I am now sitting on the floor of Sherry's dorm room as I reflect on this joyous night.

Opening my call

“Sister Hatch, you are hereby called to serve as missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Utah Salt Lake City, East mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.”

So excited!

Tonight was the night that I waited in anticipation for with anxiety and excitement. I had been praying that where ever I get called to serve, I would feel excitement. I would have never guessed I would be called to Utah, but as soon as I read it out loud, I knew it was where I was needed. I have the feeling I always hoped I would have. Pure bliss and peace with a sure knowledge that this is the place I am meant to share the gospel with God's children.

So greatful for my dad!

I believe so strongly that The Lord knows each of us personally. He knows our wants and desires, He knows what is best for us, and He always, always provides a way. He knew that going to you BYU would be one of the best things for me in my life, so he provided a way for me to get in. . .despite my far below BYU average ACT score. This past year at BYU has blessed my life in more ways than I know how to describe. It was here that I gained the desire to go on a mission. Here that I made life long friends. Here that I made discoveries about my self, and about my hopes and dreams for the future. And here that I was able to fulfill my child hood dream of rooming with my best friend/ cousin Jessie Mariah.

The Mariah's

As I leave to go back home to Arizona, I'm leaving behind another home with a whole set of family members. Who would have thought that living somewhere for less than a year would leave such and impression on my heart? I have learned so much from all the people that have come into my life this year. My ward family, my dorm sisters, friends from classes, teachers, and co-workers. I know God knew that we would need each other. I will be posting more about our specific adventures soon but until then I wanted to say thank you to my BYU family. Thank you all for the many memories!