Called To Serve

Dear Sister Sycamore:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the...

Today I received the most important news for the next 18 months of my life.

MY CALL CAME!!!!

It was exciting and terrifying all at once!

Unfortunately I had to wait until my dad got home from work to open it up 

so that meant 6:30.

PM.

It was torturous!!!! I had to wait 6 hours.

SIX!!!!

I literally just sat at my kitchen counter staring at it.

Not the whole time of course but a great deal of it.

I was so nervous, I had butterflies the entire day.

I wouldn't even let my mom talk about it because it would make me even more nervous!

FINALLY

my dad came home and the whole family was ready to go!

You can't tell in the pictures but my hands were shaking! 

But after I read where I was going a calmness washed over me and I knew that's where I'm supposed to be.

México Ciudad Obregón Mission

I report to the Provo MTC

December 18, 2013

I'll preach the gospel in the

Spanish language.

Opening My Mission Call from Lexi Sycamore on Vimeo.

Yes I know I butchered the name... Guess I better work on my Spanish! :)

I couldn't be more thrilled with where I'm going!

I absolutely cannot wait to teach the people in Mexico.

They already hold such a special place in my heart even though I haven't met them yet.

MEXICO HERE I COME!

Cutest. Couple. Ever.

When I first started my journey as a MG I began watching homecoming videos.

Duh.

I can seriously sit on youtube all night just watching every video I can get my hands on. They're just so adorable!!!! I can't help but love watching them.

Anyway during one of my video watching nights I came across this lovely video right here...

Welcome Home Elder Lee from Haugen Creative on Vimeo.

Ahh I just love it so much.

These types of videos make waiting seem possible!

THEN!

One day while I was on pinterest I saw a wedding video..

And I was like, this couple looks really familiar and I have no clue why.

It took me a few minutes but I was able to make the connection between the two.

It was in fact the very same couple!

And they got married!!!

ryan + eden | highlights from Kale Fitch on Vimeo.

Cutest thing I have ever seen.

Just thought I would share that with you :)

Happy Waiting!!

19 Years Young

Yesterday was my 19th birthday.

It's official

I'm old enough to serve a mission.

It feels weird.

I mean I don't feel any older but at the same time, everything is different. 

Yesterday was a wonderful day spent with my family.

The only thing missing was Preston.

It's crazy how my heart just seems to know when he should be there.

And of course he couldn't be, 

so there was just this aching.

Preston, being the amazing guy he is, wrote me a letter

the day he left Orem for me to open on my birthday.

That was the most incredible blessing.

It felt like I was able to share this special day with him.

And I get to talk to him tonight!!

I love Sundays :)

Too Soon

Today a missionary, Josh Burton, serving in Guatemala passed away after a truck accident.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Burton family.

Happy Early Birthday To Me

So I've spent most of my morning putting together Preston's birthday package.

I thought it would just be a normal day of MG crafts.

But boy was I in for a surprise!!!

I got a note in the mailbox saying I had a package waiting for me at the post office.

I was a little confused at first until I read who it was from.

All it said was.. "Philippines"

My heart stopped.

Was this real life or was this whole morning just a dream?

Unfortunately I had to wait until my mom got home from work because there wasn't a car I could use!

I had an hour and a half to kill.

And man is that hard when all you're thinking about is getting that package.

But the time did eventually pass and as soon as was humanly possibly I had the package in my hands.

I can't even tell you how incredibly happy I am.

This thing is literally COVERED in stamps. 

Every inch of available space has a stamp on it.

So of course since it was from Preston I wanted to open it as carefully as possible.

But he made that extremely difficult!! It was completely wrapped in tape.

Like three layers worth.

And this box isn't an ordinary box. It was folded in all kinds of weird places.

After about 15 minutes of trying to pry it open, I was able to get all the things out of it.

OH MY GOODNESS.

I have the sweetest most amazing guy ever.

I don't think I've smiled this big in a looooooong time.

It was so simple but so perfect. 

There was a few things from the Philippines

Which are sooo cool!

And a few things he wrote to me.

The best part by far was that little black book you see above.

He made a scrapbook of our story.

It put me in tears it was so amazing!

Here's just a little sneak peek..

This is the first page.

I about died when I saw this.

Cutest.

Thing.

Ever.

I have the best boyfriend in the world.

Sorry ladies :)

A Man In Uniform

Enough said.

I Promise That I'll Wait

Happy Monday

Hope you all are enjoying your Monday!

I know I really enjoyed my Sunday night :)

It's so nice to hear that he had such a great week!

Happy Monday :)

A Real Man

Don't forget.

Happy Waiting

It's Mail Time

I woke up this morning, barely able to open my eyes.

I hadn't gotten much sleep the last few days and getting up for work was killing me.

I went throughout my morning pretty much in zombie mode.

Right before I had to leave for work I went to check for the mail,

because that's what all missionary girlfriends do. It's all part of our daily routine.

And sitting in my mailbox was this lovely letter :)

Holy crap will you look at all those stamps!! I can't even imagine how much it cost him to send it to me.

This was my first official letter from the Philippines. 

And boy was it worth the wait.

Preston woke up at 6 am every morning for a week just so he could have time to write me a little bit each day. How freaking sweet is that??? 

I have the best guy in the world.

And want to know the absolute crazy part??

It only took 11 days to get to me!!

ELEVEN!

It's supposed to take 2-3 weeks.

I'm counting my blessings.

Happy Waiting :)

Two Years

Two Years.

Just think about that for a second. 

I've been sitting here thinking about those simple words for several minutes now. So many different thoughts have been rushing through my head. It's hard for me to figure out what to even say.

Two years to be away from my sweetheart.

Two years sounds like forever.

Two years feeling like this.

Two years for my love to share the gospel.

Two years to bring others happiness.

Two years to give up in return for my life.

Two years is nothing compared to eternity.

My thoughts went somewhat like this. I started out feeling defeated, as if I've already lost the battle. But after a while they changed into the reality of what's going on here. We have been given everything. 

Everything. 

How can I not give up two years with my boy so he can bring others this amazing gospel?

Or better, how can I not give up eighteen months of my life to serve the Lord?

These two years will be a major foundation for the rest of your life. 

These two years will push you to become the type of person the Lord knows you can be.

Enjoy them.

Here is an amazing song my friend, Shelbie introduced me to. 

I love how her perspective changes from the beginning to the end.

Listen to it!

Happy Waiting

I Miss You

See this boy.

Yeah I miss him.

On days like this I try to distract myself from this...

emptiness 

I feel. Of course it never works out that way and I end up thinking about him even more.

No one quite understands how you're feeling and to be honest

I don't understand it either!

I can't even begin to tell you all the different emotions you feel being a MG.

The worst part about this entire thing is the hole you feel in your heart. 

Yes I know that sounds cheesy but it's true and you know it. 

Of course most days aren't like this! Usually you can find things that'll make you smile or laugh and you honestly feel okay. And you know what? I am okay. This isn't the end of the world. I'm not dying.

But today..

I miss him.

Good Things To Come

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gives some of the BEST talks.

I've recently rediscovered this talk by him:

An High Priest of Good Things To Come

It is definitely one of his very best ones.

When I'm having a particularly hard day I watch this Mormon Message and it always puts me in tears. 

There is nothing I can't handle.

These two years are just a small moment.

I can accomplish anything. 

Don't give up.

Him & Her

I realized you guys don't really know anything about me or my elder!

I mean come on Lexi...

Be smarter than that!

So I decided to give you guys a little background story on each of us

Than you'll actually know something about this crazy MG you've been reading about :)

ELDER PRESTON NOEL HOWELL

Born & Raised: Preston was born in South Jordan, Utah and after first grade his family moved to Aurora, Colorado. It's insane how much he loves Colorado and the neighborhood he grew up in.

Career: He wants to be a surgeon eventually. Yes I know that's freaking awesome but freaking expensive schooling. Plus he wants to be the type of surgeon that reattaches limbs. In other words, something really uncommon and probably not that needed in Utah. AKA I'm probably going to have to move all around the country for this boy. But I don't care. I'd follow him anywhere.

School: While he was finishing his senior year he was accepted and preparing to go to a college in Arizona. But something didn't feel right and in May he changed his mind last minute to go to UVU. Which is insane and exactly like what happened to me. His entire family went to University of Utah so he plans on attending medical school there after he completes his first few years at UVU. 

Sports: In high school he was on the diving team. You know what that means?

Hottie boom a lottie with a swimmers body

I really hope you all know where that quote came from! 

He absolutely loves basketball and he's pretty dang good at it. Oh! And how could I forget snowboarding?? He LIVES for the winter and the snow. It's so adorable how much he loves going. 

Music: He likes just about everything! Which is nice for me.. he's not picky when I'm in charge of the music :) Although sometimes for me it can be a little hard.. He's a boy. And like most boys he likes the occasional screamo music. Especially if he's in a bad mood. 

Hobbies: He LOVES playing music. And he is pretty great at it. Mostly the guitar.

which can I just say.. a boy that can play the guitar?? Ah! Just fell in love again.

He can play the drums and piano too. Yeah he's one musically talented kid. And if you didn't guess it..

He was in a band in high school with a bunch of his closest friends. The weird thing is that they were actually really good! Most bands in high school aren't exactly the best.. but I will be the first to say that his band was great! 

Favorite Things: Color- Red 

TV Show- How I Met Your Mother, Psych, Workaholics

 Food- Salmon 

 Band- A Day To Remember

Movie- Nacho Libre

SISTER LEXI RACHELLE SYCAMORE

Born & Raised: Brigham City, Utah! I lived in Orem while going to school and my family is moving! Just the beginning of another adventure.

Career: All growing up I wanted to be a surgeon but once I was about to graduate from my senior year of high school my priorities changed. I didn't want to go through all the school when I would want to start a family. I changed it to forensic science. Yes I'm going to be one of those awesome people at the crime scenes. I'm quite excited! And it cut my schooling in more than half.

School: I had planned on attending Utah State University for quite a few years. Mostly because that's what everyone else wanted me to do. But with less than a month left of senior year I heard of Utah Valley University. I had never thought about that school ever. EVER. And this overwhelming feeling came over me, saying I needed to go to school there. And I'm so grateful I did! If I never changed my mind, I never would've met Preston.

Sports: I did Track & Field in high school. My specialty being the 100M, 200M and 400M dash. No way could I ever do cross country. There's a reason I'm a sprinter. I also really love basketball! I'm up for learning any kind of sport! Which is good cause I'm sure I'll be learning how to snowboard in my future :)

Music: I'm not picky with music. As long as it's not screamo. Can not handle that stuff. Mostly love country though. I am a country girl at heart.

Hobbies: I love anything with art. Mostly chalk pastels though, not the biggest fan of pencil. It's way too smudgy! I took ten years of piano but I've been playing for a total of twelve. I'm not good with playing in front of crowds. So no, I don't play in church or seminary/institute. That's just one of my fears I'm going to have to get over! When I have time, I love reading. It's a great escape when you don't want to be you at the moment. I read when I'm really missing Preston or having a hard day, it keeps me distracted for a little while!

Favorite Things: Color- Teal

TV Show- How I Met Your Mother, Psych, Pretty Little Liars, Big Bang Theory

Food- Chicken Alfredo

Band- Parachute

Movie- Pitch Perfect

PRESTON & LEXI

First Met: August 23, 2012

Started Dating: October 2012

Anniversary Date: November 4, 2012

First 'I love you': It's a funny story actually. I knew he had been wanting to tell me but I could tell he needed a little push. So I told him I wouldn't kiss him until my condition was met. 

Haha yes I really did that.

He knew exactly what I was talking about! But he wanted to make it special and waited about a day to plan out how he was going to do it. The next day he blind folded me and put me in his car and drove all over the place! He eventually stopped and took me

out of the car, still blindfolded by the way! He walked me a little ways until I could hear ducks quacking. Oh and just a p.s. I LOVE DUCKS. Like seriously. Love them. So of course I was freaking out by now. He finally let me take the blindfold off and I saw the most beautiful park. It was dark outside but that didn't matter. It was probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. He walked me around the park until he found the perfect spot and pulled me to face him. He took both my hands in his and started telling me all the things he loved about me. After he got done with his list he paused and then told me

"I love you Lexi". Duh I kissed him then! He met his condition and I told him I loved him too. One of the best memories I have.

Favorite Things To Do Together: Random adventures, just sitting around cuddling, watching How I Met Your Mother, driving around for no reason, going on dates, rock climbing, talking for hours, and the absolute best one.. going to the pond where we first said 'I love you' and feed the ducks :)

We Hope: To return from both our missions around the same time and get married in the temple not too much later. Eventually start a family together and live happily ever after.

I'm the luckiest girl alive. 

I'm proud to be a missionary girlfriend.

And I wouldn't change anything.

Happy Waiting!!

The Things He Writes To Me

Yeah.

I fell in love all over again.

Happy Waiting!!

2 Months

It has been exactly 

62 days.

9 weeks.

2 months.

Since Preston left.

Yes today has been an incredible day and I'm so happy to be able to mark off another

milestone on my calender. I can't even believe it's already been 2 months!

It's so true what every MG says..

The days go by slow but the weeks go by fast.

MONTH 1:

Said goodbye to the love of my life

Began my countdown

Wrote him DearElder.com letters constantly 

Chopped FIVE INCHES off

Got my first letter :)

My brother moved home.

Bring on the scarring childhood memories...

Haha just kidding :)

We're like best friends now!

My amazing missionary and his companion became zone leaders

Went on an Arthritis walk for my baby niece who has Juvenile Arthritis 

*Angles for Alissa*

 Preston took an interest in women's clothing....

Haha nah they're called Lavalavas

which are traditional skirts for men in Kiribati.

I GOT TO HOLD A BUNNY!!!!!!!

You have no idea how much I love those cute, adorable, furry animals...

Visited my favorite ginger and old roommate for a weekend.

It was so nice to get out of my house and see other people!!

Last but not least... got my wisdom teeth out!

First step to completing my mission papers

ONE MONTH DOWN.

23 TO GO

MONTH 2:

Got a package from the most amazing and thoughtful guy :)

Sent a great friend off on his mission

Preston officially left the USA and headed off to the Philippines.

It was a 23 hour trip...

wowza.

But guess what!

I got to talk to him on the phone three times!

Not just once.

But THREE times!!!!

I love airports...

He arrived safely in the Philippines! 

Thank goodness...

Within his first week of being out in the field he already baptized someone.

Can I just say that is absolutely amazing??

I STARTED MY MISSION PAPERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And guess what else.

Finished and submitted them to SLC.

In 2 weeks I'll receive my call :)

My beautiful mom had her birthday and got to spend it with my 

entire family.. which is not a common thing.

Such a blessing.

Went on a spur of the moment temple square trip with my wonderful family.

So grateful families are forever.

We had our 8 month anniversary 7000 miles apart.

More in love than ever before.

TWO MONTHS DOWN.

22 MORE TO GO.

Happy Waiting!!