I can't believe I am going to Virginia

Hi, everyone! So this is my first test post. Exciting, right? I can't believe I am going to Chesapeake, Virginia! Who would have thought I'd end up in such a beautiful place? I can't believe how I am sacrificing my time, my effort, a decent amount of money, leaving my family and friends behind, pause my schooling, and use of computer software to serve The Lord. What a wonderful opportunity this is! My guitar, and clarinet playing to a halt, my music composing will have to wait. No more dancing for 18 months - oh what a restriction! A pause from programming. Sigh. But! it will be worth it. I know it will be. I have a testimony of this gospel, and I will make the sacrifice! There is nothing else deep in my heart that I would rather be doing. It is the perfect time for me to take this opportunity - especially now that Joseph (my Fiance), and I have decided to serve missions. He is currently on his mission as of December 4th 2013, and arrived in Joao Pessoa, Brazil, Jan 14th 2014. I couldn't be more proud of him! I can't wait to see his hard-core farmers tan when he gets back! Anyways -- I love writing in bullet points. There may be many of these in my posts to save time writing!

Here are my thoughts:
+ I love this gospel.
+ I love Joseph.
+ I am going to be a missionary!
+ I will have a stronger testimony of this gospel by the time I am off my mission!
+ I am excited!
+ Free food!
+I hope they don't offer me deep fried foods and things full of nothing but Dairy when I am in Virginia!
+ So many blessings!
+ How will I find time to get ready in the morning?
+ Can I study and exercise at the same time?
+ How many people will come out to bully the missionaries? That is something I've wondered for a while. I've had many discussions like this. I do not believe that everyone will be kind to the missionaries. Mission Prep makes it sound like those who talk to the missionaries will always be kind. I believe that to be false! Not in my experience! If flaws are pointed out, that person will defend themselves to the point where they are threatening you. I've been there. I've cried. It's not a fun experience.
+ Many nights I can't sleep because I am SO excited to serve! :)
+ I hope people email me when I'm away.
+ How will I be when I am off my mission? I hope I don't turn out weird like a lot of fresh RM's seem! (Honestly... it's creepy).
+ I hope I can adjust to life when I get back. I don't know how long I will stay in the missionary mode!
+ I love all my friends. If I don't message you, say something to me! I'll notice, I promise!

The Preparation Process:
I started immediately after I left New York and flat out told my parents that I wanted to serve a mission. This was sometime after December 4th. Everything has been in a quick pace; I guess I'm showing Joseph "how it's done" because he procrastinated! Yeah. "I'll show you how it's done" as I frantically move about, going from doctor's appointment to doctor's appointment, buy all my supplies as I do college at the same time. Is it possible? Yes. Is it easy? Heck no! But I'm doing it! I'm getting myself though it, and the semester. Oh joy. But - my day-dreamy thoughts of Missionary Service, solving problems in my head, and memories of Joseph keep me happy. Friends help, too.

I'm making this post super late at night. I hope I make sense, in a way.

Anyways.. Mission. I'm going to serve a mission. ME!! "Therefore, If ye have desires to serve God, ye are called to the work." Doctrine and Covenants Section four, verse 3.

 ^ This is where it begins - with the desire. Every member a missionary. ;)

I have 33 days before I go. So much work to do! But, I can do it! :)
Wish me the best of luck!
-Alissa Marshall