Carrie's Departure

 We got up this morning and took Carrie to the airport and said goodbye to her there.  Her grandparents picked her up in Salt Lake City.

 This is the MTC, or Mission Training Center.  She will be there for about 6 weeks learning Portuguese and hoping her visa arrives so she can then leave for Brazil.  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has several in different parts of the world.  Since she didn't have her visa, she will get her language and religious training at this one in Provo, Utah.  We think she will be a great missionary.  She will be gone 18 months and will only be able to call home 3 times (2 Christmases and one mother's day.)

Good bye Carrie, we are proud of you and good wishes to you!

See You In Eighteen!

My name is Carrie Damstedt. I'm 19 years old and I'm going on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Last December I received the inspired call from the prophet of our church that I was to serve in the Brazil Ribeirao Preto mission for a period of 18 months speaking Portuguese.

Last October, during General Conference, when our prophet announced the missionary age change, I knew I was going on a mission. It wasn't an option. I knew that this was an answer to so many of my prayers and I was going to be out there serving my God. And now, I'm three days shy of that dream.

I love this church more than anything. It make me so happy and I want to share that with others. I want others to have the opportunity to learn what we believe. I know it's true. I've felt it. Heavenly Father is my God and Jesus Christ is my Savior. I am nothing without either of them. It is my privileged and honor to serve them.

On Wednesday, I'll be off to Provo to start learning Portuguese in the MTC. Originally I was supposed to go to the MTC in Brazil, but I didn't get my visa in time so I'm staying in the states till that comes through. But I'm excited anyways. There is just something about serving a mission that makes me smile. There is something about it that fills my soul. And I can't wait.

While I'm gone my mom will be posting my weekly emails on here. I won't be posting directly. And after 18 months I'll be home, with some of the best tales to tell and  memories to remember.

So farewell friends and family. See you in eighteen!