God Be With You Til We Meet Again

Hey friends! So this is it! Tonight I will be set apart as a Missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and will be entering the MTC tomorrow! I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to serve the Lord and His people in Mexico for these next 18 months. 

Here is all the contact info I have so far (so PLEASE write me!!!)

Address in the MTC:
Sister Kathryn Ruth Armknecht
DEC16 MEX-VLH
2023 N 900 E Unit 872
Provo, Utah
84602

Mission Home Address:
Sister Kathryn Ruth Armknecht
Av. Circuito C.D. Deportiva No. 206
Colonia Atasa
86100 Villahermosa, Tabasco
MEXICO

Email Address:
kathryn.armknecht@myldsmail.net
(I would prefer emails to me be for big news like "I got my Mission Call!" or "Guess who's getting married?!?" etc. Or to tell me that you want to get my emails so I can tell my mom. You can still email me otherwise but I will have other priorities first during my internet time to write family and other friends on Missions.)

Thanks everyone so much for your support! I'm so grateful for you all and I'll see you in a year and a half! 

I know with all of my heart that this is the true church and that anyone who finds it and learns of it with an open heart will know it true. The Book of Mormon is the word of God, it is SO true, and it goes hand and hand with the Bible. I know that the Temple is the House of God and that the power and blessings you receive there is needed by all. I love this Gospel and I know that serving a Mission at this time is what I am supposed to do. I KNOW. I have never been more sure of anything in my life then this Gospel. And if there are any of you who are doubting please do as Elder Holland said you could do for him and lean on my faith and on my testimony.

-Hermana Armknecht

T-minus One Week

Hey YOU! Yes you, I'm leaving next week and I don't want anyone to be left out of my emails because that would be so sad.

This is it! The countdown is down to 7 days and I couldn't be more excited!

Here's the thing, I want to stay in touch with all of you while I'm off in Mexico and I hope you all want to stay in touch with me as well.

So if you are wanting my weekly email updates message me through text or email or comment on here and give me your email address so I can get you on the list for them.

I don't have my address for the MTC yet so that will probably be on my final post.

I love you all and I am so grateful to know you!

Missionary Pictures, the 19 year old, and General Conference, OH MY!

So the other week my lovely friend Sydney came and visited me and took some pictures of me at the Draper Utah Temple. And not that I usually like to post pictures of myself on here but she did such a good job that I decided that I would post some of them on here after a few other things:

First:
I'm 19 now!!! Officially old enough to serve my Mission now. We pretty much celebrated my birthday on the 4th so activities wouldn't collide with Conference. It was a an awesome day spent with my family and with a victory from my BYU Cougars over the Aggies that was an extra present I very much enjoyed(; Saturday was my actually birthday and although I am now 19 it didn't really feel that different than 18 at first... I guess that "whole year older and WISER" thing didn't really happen when I woke up that morning.  Luckily, it was the start of General Conference, which helped with becoming "wiser."
Also, between sessions my family surprised me with a special gift, a two hour present named Waldo, an energetic puppy from Rent a Puppy, he was so much fun.

Second:
As mentioned before General Conference was two weeks ago (one my birthday!!!) I love General Conference. It is such a blessing to me that we have the opportunity each 6 months to gather together as a whole church and to hear the word of God through the voice of His servants.
Also I just love how much the General Authorities love their spouses. The way they talk with such adoration about them makes me so happy.
I summery I just love Conference, it brings me so much joy and extra peace and strength that I need in this insane world. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth and I am so grateful to be blessed to have had it in my life forever. I love this gospel!

Yup!

And now, some pictures! All credit goes to Sydney Stout check out her page!

lastly, some people have asked me to post pictures of all my Mission outfits... I don't know if I will because I already posted where I found stuff but we'll see!

Until next time! Adios!

Mark your calenders! (This post is for you Claire!)

Why hello there friends!
So once upon a time I got a Mission Call
and now I enter the MTC in 29 days!!! Woot!
And with going on the Mission I get to speak in my ward!
YAY!

I will be speaking on October 20th at 9 am the address of my church is 250 W 600 S Lindon, UT 84042       which is also on 1600 North in Orem (it's confusing...) but, it's right by Maeser Prep Academy for those of you who know where that is.

Afterwards at 12:30 there will be a delectable lunch at my home which if you desperately want to come (because I KNOW you do) message me on Gmail or text me for it, I'd rather not post it on the blog-o-sphere. So message me *cough* Claire *cough*




I still have not posted about Conference or my birthday, plus I just got some lovely pictures taken by a lovely friend of mine so I probably will end up posting a few.... yeah...

I hope those of you who want to come can come on the 20th, I would love to spend some time with you before I leave for 18 months.

The cliche post about shopping for Sister Missionary clothing.

Let's face it finding clothing for your Mission can be tough. Really tough.
The guys have it easy, a few suits and a whole lot of ties, but not the girls, for us it's different.

Where can you find shoes that are, "practical, comfortable, attractive, and appropriate for the climate and condition of your mission." (Dress and Grooming Missionary Guidelines) or where to find "shoulder bags and purses that are both professional and durable: [since] backpacks are not professional," (D&G Missionary Guidelines) or even just where to find good skirts are blouses that fit your fancy as well as the Missionary Guidelines. 
Believe me I've been through it and I know that it's difficult.

But do not fear, since I have been there before I can also help you get through it(:


First a few things to note:
-Accessorize (belts, scarfs, you name it)
-Make sure skirts could work for biking--unless you know otherwise do it.
-If you're going some place hot buy "half tees", undershirts that aren't a full layer 

 (their website doesn't show much so if you want to see I suggest driving the address is: 210 E University Pkwy, Orem, UT 84058)

I got 4 of my skirts there, 3 of which were the same style just different colors. It is a wonderful place. Right now all of the girls who work there are Returned Missionaries and are extremely helpful. They have tops, cardigans, skirts, outerwear, shoes, accessories, almost anything Mission related you could think of they have it. 
Pros - RM's work there
        - There are books in a corner that have letters from Sisters who have served in most Missions (besides the ones that just opened to non-native Sisters (so if you're like me and going to Mexico, you're out of luck.)
        -They have a great selection of Sister Missionary stuff

Con -The sizing is kind of hard for different heights (example. my normal size (even the size down) fit me around the waist but since I'm taller I had to go up a size to get the right length.)
         

Yes. Target. 
Their business/more dressy section has lots of options to go with and usually there is something that you at least will want to try on. I got 4 tops there and I'm probably going to check there one more time before I get ready to leave.

Pros  - There are tons of them so you're probably close to one.
         -Quality Clothing
         -If you can't find it in the store you can probably find it online.

        Cons  - It goes through a cycle: either you love everything there                                        or nothing.
                                                  -The sizes differ from brand to brand there so no two blouses are a like.

Darling little boutique in Utah  County. (I know of ones in PG, AF, and Orem)

Pros  - They have a large selection of clothing
         - Not a very busy place so the service is good.
         - They have DARLING cardigans, lots of them.

Cons  -It's a hit or miss kind of place.
          -It's more on the expensive side.

Seriously the cutest shop I have ever seen, really check it out.
It has skirts, tops, accessories, dresses, etc.

Pros -It has the cutest clothes ever.
        -All of the clothing there is modest.
        -It's at University Mall (so it's close to me)

Cons -Again, sort of pricey.
         -Sizing is off.

Now, I checked out plenty more places for clothing, Macys, Seagull Book (tons of skirts at the one in Lindon, tons of them,) Downeast Basics, lots of places and many of them have things that would work for Missions I just didn't want to write them down but if you want to know the Pros and Cons for one of them message me(:

Shoooooooooooes:

Chandlers Walk Shoppe
My sister and I checked it out and they definitely have Sister Missionary shoes there. Plus the women who work there are very helpful. My Sister and I each bought a pair there (since there are only a few stores like that around we didn't want it to go out of business, so please buy a pair there if you can.) and then we searched the web.

Clarks Shoes

Here are some of their looks:

 this shoe here


this one is this link

and since I was in need of closed toed sandals:

and here they are.


Cobb Hill Shoes:
I got my shoes from here in the mail the other day and I'm in love with them the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.

Here are some of their looks:

i like it, sort of

this is the one I got and I love it.

And then we also checked out Aravon we didn't buy any from there but they have some nice styles too(:

Now, these shoes are VERY PRICEY. But, I think that if you are spending around $100 on a pair of shoes to last you 18 months you are getting a pretty good deal.

Bags and such:

So, this is something that was difficult for me since I don't know if I'm going to be biking or not, and I really didn't want a bag flopping by my side if I was biking and we aren't supposed to bring backpacks.

Lucky for me Etsy and Amazon are wonderful places. 

Go on Etsy and type in "over the shoulder bags" and browse what comes up, I didn't find anything that I thought would be large enough but you might have more luck then me.

Amazon: I found this treasure:

 

It comes in Tan, Brown, and Black and it is so nifty. It converts from a shoulder bag to a backpack. So, if you are riding a bike you can quickly make it a backpack for the ride and switch it back for every other activity. Wahoo! 

It is pretty pricey (okay more than pretty) but from the looks of the reviews it is very durable and that is something I am okay with investing my money in.

Outerwear: 

To be honest I'm picky when it comes to coats and I am in need of a Raincoat to bring to Mexico, I've found that L.L. Bean, Landsend, and Eddie Bauer all have really great style options.

Now, one day I may post about all of my outfits and how you can mix and match them (because that's what everyone else does, right?) but today is not that day. I hope that this post was at least a little helpful for you Sisters getting ready to serve. Good luck!

100 days

that is how many days I have until I enter the Provo MTC.
I, uh, wow.
I AM SO STOKED!!!!!

confessions of a Pre-Missionary

Once you get your Mission Call it is marvelous.
Like really.
But it is also so hard.
Really, really, hard.
You are supposed to do homework,
because next week is the last week before the term is over?
Not going to happen.
You should probably go buy some groceries?
Nope!
You're little sister is turning 16 on Sunday and you should get her a gift?
Ummm maybe. (cept I already spent like $60 shopping for her the other day...)

Get the point?

All I want to think about is Mexico and nothing but Mexico.
I mean look at it:

(orangesmile.com)

(ldschurchtemples.com)

(explorandomexico.com.mx)

Bah!!! I just want to go.

The Errand of Angels

So guess who's going on a Mission?
THIS GIRL!!!!!!
So I guess this will be turning into a Pre-Me Blog soon.
This is the video of me opening it:

And in case you'd rather not watch it...
I have been called to serve as a Missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I have been assigned to labor in the mexico, Villahermosa Mission.
I will report on November 13th, 2013 to the Provo Missionary Center
and I will be speaking Spanish. (good thing i took 4 years of German... oh wait...)


I am so excited to go out and serve the Lord and God's children. I know that this is what I am supposed to do. I can't wait(:

she's going on a Mission

Sarah got her call!!!
bah!
Here's the video(:

The _____ High School Class of 2013

Because, I just love these videos....

(Woods Cross High School)

(Brighton High School)

Bonneville High School

(Lone Peak High School.. actually this is the class of 2012 but it still makes me smile.)

(I've already posted this... but again, my school!

Pleasant Grove High School)

..... and I am so proud of them all for the decision they've made.

ever called to serve our king!

AHHH!!!!
The video of all the boys from Pleasant Grove High School with their Mission Calls is now out!
I cry every time watching it. Mainly because I know these kids but also because I know what a wonderful thing they are about to do.
If you have the time watch the video. If not, watch it later. It is truly amazing.

Love.

After watching this in Seminary, those with their calls, waiting for their call, or working on their papers were asked to sing "Called to Serve." While singing it a thought came to me:
106. 106 Mission Calls on this video.
So many lives will be changed by those 106 boys and not to mention so many more are on the way. Isn't it wonderful?

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church. The only true church on the earth. I love this gospel with all of my heart and that is why I am preparing to serve a Mission. So that I can share my love of the true gospel to God's children who He loves and who need to know the truth.

"Catching the Wave"

Well as most of you all know I tend to be very ecstatic about the topic of "Missionary Work"--very ecstatic. By reading my blog you could find something about my excitement here HERE heeeeerrrrreee or here or maybe here HERE!!!! here here,here! HHHHHEEEEeeeeeRRRrrrEE and here well, pretty much everywhere.

I love Missionary work.

Many of you know that I am planning on serving a full-time Mission at the age of 19, but there is much more to the story then that:

A fear came over me last summer, a fear that comes from growing up that I could not shake and it scared me. I almost felt that if I had the option to run off to Neverland I would, however you can't hide from fears no matter how much you wish you could. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend EFY during July and I learned to study more with a purpose and my purpose at that time was to know what I was supposed to do about college. I said a quick prayer asking that I would be comforted about my fear. I remember looking up  the first scripture which was Joshua 1:9

"Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest."

I sort of shrugged it off not thinking much of it, yeah it was a good scripture but what did it have to do with me?
Next I turned to Doctrine and Covenants 25, the whole section was wonderful at that moment but the verse that stuck out particularly to me was verse 2:

"A revelation I give unto you concerning my will; and if thou art faithful and walk in the paths of virtue before me, I will preserve thy life, and thou shalt receive an inheritance in Zion."

and part of verse 9:

"And thou needest not fear...."

And lastly, I found my pocket-sized "For the Strength of Youth" I skimmed through it and turned to the back "Go Forward With Faith"


It hit me, I didn't need to fear, Heavenly Father had a plan for me and I needed to have faith in His plan and in His timing.

October 5, 2012:
As many of you well know I was down in Ceder City with my Chamber Choir for the Utah Shakespearean Competition, it was my 18th birthday  and it was a wonderful one. But the greatest present arrived the following day.
October 6, 2012
I was blessed to go to watch General Conference with the members of my choir when this announcement was made:

                                              (sorry for the quality, but it's still just as powerful)
I remember the shock that ran over me, I was overwhelmed with joy and tears and looked at two of my closest friends, Melanie and Delanie, both who were also crying. I then looked around at the other choir members and drama students that had come with us. All of our lives were changed.
The moment President Monson said these prophetic words I knew that serving a Full-time Mission when I am 19 was the right thing for me and I would be 19 in exactly a year.

__________________________________________________________________________

Within two weeks of the announcement my friends had started a group for "Preach My Gospel" study every Sunday. I had submitted for Summer Term instead of Fall Semester at BYU. Everything in my life began to change.
It all felt like a wonderful dream that I never wanted to wake up from, but it became a reality as soon as my  friend Kyle opened his Mission Call and then the stone began rolling--over 80 boys from my school now have their Mission Calls!

Now, me. It has taken me a long time to decide when I was going to submit my Mission Papers. Will I only be attending Summer Term before going out to serve or will I wait until after Fall Semester? Good question. And honestly I don't know. But I can tell you that I know I am going to begin working on my papers very soon and that this coming July is when I am supposed to submit them. I couldn't be more excited for anything.

the key to happiness

You all want to know it(:

Today was Stake Conference for my Stake and I felt such a wonderful joy and love because of the Gospel. So I felt inclined to share some thoughts given.

Youth Session:

• Never be ashamed of your testimony
• To help others become converted you must be truly converted
• It doesn't matter where you go. Missionary work is missionary work. And where you go is where the Lord knows you need to go.
• Everything good comes from God. Everything.
• With the Lord there are no coincidences.

      and lastly...

• The Lord knows who you are. He loves you.

The Youth Theme for 2013 is "Stand Ye In Holy Places"
and this is the theme song. It makes me so happy.

General Session:

• Serving a mission is not about you (me.) It's about others.
• "I'm a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it." I share it.
• How can we strengthen Zion? Share the Gospel with everyone. They are all God's children.
• Missionaries need to know that they know how to teach so they can be confident in doing so.
• "Goal setting and planning are acts of faith." -Preach My Gospel
• Build your foundation deep so we may stand tall when the winds of tribulation hit.
• He will never forsake us. He will never forget us, for He is the one who has felt the pain and the sufferings that we have.
• "Fear thou not."
• Look, turn, and reach outward. Be that person God can trust to do so.
• Are we just content going about? Or, are we going about doing good?
• Establish patterns of righteousness in your daily life.  

and what you were all waiting for...

• The "Key to Happiness" is simply to follow Christ.

This Gospel is true. I know it without a doubt. It has shaped me into the young women I am today. I know that I am not perfect--I won't ever be while on this Earth--but I know someone who is, and He makes up for my imperfection. With Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father nothing is impossible. They truly can make weak things become strong.

now it is so real

tonight about like eight guys from my school received their mission calls,
two who were there with me when the announcement was made.
before it was just something that I was excited for but nothing had happened.
now it is a reality.
June can't come soon enough.

I still get chills

This is a great video if you have time to watch it. Over 80 kids from the same High School who answered the Lord's "Call to Serve."

I really do still get chills every time I hear President Monson's announcement. Every time.

sorry my last post was a downer

today's is not. it is an...upper...

yeah....

anyway any guesses on what it's about?!?! 

You're right! Mission stuff!

I have this new found love of going to this Facebook page 

and watch every single Mission call posted on there. 

Watching their reactions it's just priceless. Really, watch some right now I dare you. (I recommend Nate Church's. I know him and his reaction is the greatest.)

Funny thing is I don't even know most of these people but I get so overjoyed for them and knowing what they are going to do is so amazing and just longing for the day that I can join them in spreading the good news of the Gospel to those who don't have it.

"And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!^"

^{-Doctrine and Covenants 18:15} 

the thing that I can't wait for

would be a Mission, in case you don't know me that well. 

I know that I post about this like every other time but I really can't help it.

It is the thing that I want sooo much to do.

I really like anything to do with newly called Sister Missionaries (strange huh?) so I'm posting this

I have been spending most of my day working on homework, playing music, and watching Mission Call openings from Facebook. They make me so happy!

also, craziness. I was talking to one of the young men I associate myself with most everyday and we were discussing the topics of Missions and he can put his paper in this month!!! So can pretty much all of the boys I hang out with. I'm so glad I have such wonderful friends who are ready and willing to serve.

a new year's post

well first off. last year rocked.

it was definitely time for a New Year though.

to tell you the truth last year I did really badly with my resolutions

(probably because the year before I did so well, so we are going to do every other year thing.)

this year I'm going to fulfill them.

I have a plan.

I'm going to write in my journal everyday saying how I am closer to my goals.

I will set little reminders for myself around places I often go.

I'm not going to give up if I miss one day, I will just work harder to make it a habit.

Good plan? I think so.

So here is the list of what I resolve to do:

Be a better friend to my friends

Study "Preach My Gospel" as part of my daily study

Temple at least once a week

Exercise Monday-Saturday (I love to exercise I just forget 

sometimes...remind me people, remind me.)

Prepare in every way--spiritually,mentally,emotionally,

and physically--to serve a full-time mission this year

There it is. Now it is official. Well, Happy 2013!

I hope this year is full of many blessings for everyone(:

what sweeter music?

"What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!

Dark and dull night, fly hence away,
And give the honor to this day,
That sees December turned to May.

Why does the chilling winter’s morn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly-shorn,
Thus, on the sudden? Come and see
The cause, why things thus fragrant be:
‘Tis He is born, whose quickening birth
Gives life and luster, public mirth,
To heaven, and the under-earth.

We see him come, and know him ours,
Who, with his sunshine and his showers,
Turns all the patient ground to flowers.

The darling of the world is come,
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome him. The nobler part
Of all the house here, is the heart.

Which we will give him; and bequeath
This holly, and this ivy wreath,
To do him honour, who’s our King,
And Lord of all this revelling.

What sweeter music can we bring,
Than a carol for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?"

Robert Herrick (1591-1674)

Merry Christmas Everyone! I am also so grateful for the greatest gift. Christ and His atonement for us. Isn't it wonderful that He loves us so much? "Greater ^alove hath no man than this, that a man lay down his^blife for his ^cfriends." John 15:13 

As I have previously stated one of my favorite things about Christmas is Christmas Music. I shared the lyrics to one of my favorites above but listening to it is so much more powerful. (look it up on YouTube now. find a choir that you think have great voices and listen to it. do it now.) But one that I discovered last year in Chamber Choir (that we sing every year) is so powerful. This is last year's Chamber singing  Carol of Joy I hope you enjoy it and that it will remind you more about God's love for each of us and of His gift of His son.

Material things: I got some awesome sweaters (wahoo!) and  Ipod Touch. (I feel so connected now.)

Important things: I got to talk to my wonderful sister who is serving in Donetsk, Ukraine. Actually face time with her. It was great. I laughed, I cried (a lot,) it moved me. I really am so grateful that she is serving the Lord and our fellow-men. She is bringing the gift of the Gospel to those in need. I love her

she is so gorgeous.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!

It's True isn't it? Then What Else Matters?

I already posted this on Facebook, but posting it two places never hurt a fly.

This truly is absolutely amazing:

Oh I love it so much! The Church is true, I know it with all of my heart. There is nothing that brings me more happiness and pure joy than it. And I hope one day I will be able to share this message with my brothers and sisters so they too can feel of that joy. I will do EVERYTHING so that I can have that opportunity.