Mission Call!

So recently (after waiting a long 3 1/2 weeks) I received my mission call in the mail! I was a little nervous to open it, I must say. I mean, the contents of that white envelope determine much of my next 1.5 years. Well I opened it and..... I'm going to the Uruguay, Montevideo West Mission! I enter the Argentina MTC on July 2, 2009.

I'm going to miss my friends and family, but I'm SO excited about this call! I've always wanted to serve a Spanish speaking mission, and South America was on the top of my list as well! Not only do I get to be serving by sharing the gospel, but I may even get to have a little adventure:) The fact that I leave at the beginning of July is absolutely perfect as well because it will put me back just in time for my last semester of nursing school in January of 2011. It's going to be nice to be out of school for 1.5 years, but getting back will be another story. I think it will all work out okay though.
So this spring is going to be awesome and busy. My current semester is almost over (hallelujah!), then I'm off to Ecuador for a month (I'm spoiled, I know), and then I'll be home for about a month before I head off to Argentina! My time in Ecuador is mostly going to be focused on nursing, but I will have the opportunity to teach about health in Spanish. This will be so helpful for me to learn the language better and improve in my communication. I can't wait!!

Here are a couple pictures from my call opening party. Chelsea and I have been great friends for most of my time here at BYU, so I'll miss her a lot! She'll probably be off in Georgia or something working as a dental hygeinist when I get back. Sad!



I'm thinking I'll have someone (like a sister) update my blog while I'm on my mission, with pictures and some of my e-mail. I'll post my addresses on here and all that as well. So to anyone who would like to can keep in touch!

As a final note, how about a little information about Uruguay? I know you're excited:)

Uruguay means "river where the painted birds live"

It is home to 3.46 million people, of whom 1.7 million live in the capital (where I don't think I'll be serving). Montevideo was founded by the Spanish in the early 18th century as a military stronghold. Uruguay won its independence in 1825-1828 following a three-way struggle between Spain, Argentina, and Brazil. Uruguay is the least corrupt country in Latin America with its political and labor conditions being among the freest on the continent.
An estimated 94.6% of the population are of mostly European descent.
Uruguay is one of the richest countries in the Americas, with a high GDP and the 45th quality of life in the world
Uruguay is the second smallest sovereign nation in South America.
Uruguay is distinguished by its high literacy rate (97.3%) and a large urban middle class.

Uruguay is South America's most secular country. It has no official religion and church and state are separate. Religious freedom is guaranteed. Sixty-six percent of Uruguayans are Roman Catholics. Most Uruguayans baptize their children and marry in churches but less than half attend church on a regular basis.
The cuisine of Uruguay is traditionally based on its European roots, like Mediterranean foods from Italy, Spain, and France, but also from countries such as Germany. Many foods from those countries such as pasta, sausages, and desserts are common in the nation's diet. (YUM!)

The unemployment rate is 8.7%, only slightly higher than the United States.



This is the Montevideo temple