Mariah is a Missionary! To the MTC she goes

October 7, 2014 was the day that Mariah was set apart as a Missionary!  Grandpa and Grandma Ron and Shauna Riddle, Grandpa and Grandpa Larry and Karen Halliday, McKayla, Hannah, Kylie, Ammon, Jared and I were all in attendance. The Stake President (William C Perkins) set her apart.  What a special experience.  I could feel the spirit so strong and as she was set apart I could feel the power of her new mantle. It was a happy, exciting, emotional time.  We took the following picture after she was set apart.  What a tender moment for the big sister to take all of her siblings in her arms. She has been the best example of a big sister,  We couldn't have asked for anyone better to lead the way.  We are so blessed to have her in our family.

On October 8, 2014 Mariah went to the MTC. She will be there for 6 weeks for her missionary training and to learn Spanish.  I was caught off guard at the many emotions that her leaving brought on.  As I was sitting there in tears I thought to myself, "what am I crying about?" I was happy, sad, excited, and nervous all at the same time and it was interesting that all those tears stood for all of those emotions. I felt peace and comfort though in knowing that Mariah is a righteous daughter of God and I trust that she is in His hands and will be blessed for her obedience.

We said our goodbyes at a church that was close to the MTC.  We had to take all the happy pics at first because when the hugs came is when all of the crying started.  Here are some pics of the happy and sad day for mom and dad. 

       

It didn't start with mom and dad crying and it didn't end that way either,  Here are some pics of the rest of the kids.  It was a very emotional day.

    

   

After we said our goodbyes at the church we drove her to the MTC for the "drop off".  We were able to take some pics as she unloaded, we gave last hugs and said goodbye again.  Jared was the last one to get into the car and when he got in there was loads of loud crying from all of us!  I am not sure I have ever heard Ammon cry so hard,,,EVER!  We must have looked and sounded like we were all a wreck!  But after a moment we all started laughing at the fact that we were all crying and being such big babies!  Laughter heals the heart! I promise, we made it through!  Families are Forever! We love our sweet Missionary.

 By the way, this is Heidi if you didn't already know.  I am managing Mariah's missionary blog :)

"Farewell"

Mariah had her mission "farewell" on September 28, 2014.  We were completely overwhelmed with all of the love and support that she received that day. We had people write their names and addresses down and then later sat down to write the names of all of the people who attended so that Mariah could have it for her history.  There were over 150 people that we remembered who came to support her!  What a blessing to have so much support from friends and family!  

As Mariah prepared her talk we would ask how it was coming along and she would just say "You'll have to wait to hear it!"  So, we really had no idea what she was going to talk about because her assignment was just to talk on something in "Preach my Gospel".  She did an outstanding job on her talk.  Her talk was mainly about recognizing and understanding the spirit. Luckily, we have a copy of her talk to read anytime we want. She also played a piano piece by Marshall McDonald entitled "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing."  I will truly miss hearing her play the piano while she is gone but we have recorded her playing some pieces that we will be able to listen to when we feel like we need to hear Riah play:)

Here are some pics from her farewell!  Enjoy!

Riah and Gentry

Buds

More Friends

 

Gma and Gpa Halliday

Gma and Gpa Riddle

Gma and Gpa Odell

The call

On June 11, 2014 Mariah received her mission call to the Washington DC South mission!  She will be preaching in the Spanish language.  We are absolutely thrilled with the call as we have a special place in our hearts for Washington DC.  When Mariah was in elementary school she was able to serve in DC as a US Student Ambassador. Jared and I were able to go and visit many of the Historic sites.  We could not help be feel God's hand in the set up of our Nation.  There is just a special spirit about that place.  I am so excited that Mariah will now be able to go among those in the Nation's capitol and bring the Book of Mormon into the mix of it all.  Our Nation will be preserved by the hand of God as long as we are a righteous people. I am so excited that Mariah will be able to share her testimony and her love for the Book of Mormon.  I know that there are many out there who have been prepared for her.  Can't wait for her to share what she loves. I mean...I can't wait, but, I CAN WAIT..I'm the mom and I will miss her dearly. Click on the link below to watch her call opening! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctL4y9chxz0

To DC she goes!

Some of Riah's best buds!

Some of the family and friends who came :)