{Valentines Day}

Valentines day while your missionary is away is of course very different. Just like every other day though he is exactly where he is supposed to be. The biggest difference though is that you have to use the wonderful US postal service to send your love. I made a package for Glen Donald which I like a lot. I have improved at drawing the state of Ohio (it's not as easy as it seems). This valentines day I was lucky enough to be able to be around family and some great friends that helped me get through it. My father, sister and I went and saw "Night at the Museum 3" and then went to a few stores. One of the cool things about sending a missionary out is that it gives you an opportunity to get closer to your family because you don't really have another option, at least in my opinion. 

After spending time with them I was able to go to a missionary girlfriend date night in Provo. There were twelve of us missionary girlfriends who got together. We watched two movies and ate ice cream sundaes. It was so good to be able to talk to other girls who almost completely understand what you're going through. As in all things all couples are different and so the mission experience is different for everyone. There are lots of aspects of the missionary girlfriend experience that are the same though. I was the newest MG at the date night which was weird but I cannot wait to be the seasoned veteran that helps other new girls through this experience someday. I look forward to the next time I get to spend time with these awesome girls and to meet new ones. 

The valentines day package I sent to Elder Ledingham had the open when letters, his second companion tie, a bear, treats (of course), bubbles, silly heart straws, balloons, missionary conversation hearts, our story book, and a valentines card. The states are connected by an accordioned paper and it says "I love you to...Ohio and back". The open when letters took the most time but are what will last the longest. He said the package really helped him and that it made him smile. Here are some pictures of the package and contents:  

                                                

No matter how many miles lie between Elder Ledingham and I he will forever by my valentine. Each email and letter makes me fall deeper in love with him. He is growing so much on his mission and is doing such a good job. I am so proud of my valentine for doing all that the Lord needs and wants him to do. 

{One Month Down}

Elder Ledingham left to serve the Lord exactly one month ago today. It seems kind of crazy that it has already been one month but it also depends on the day. This month I have already felt myself getting stronger. There are of course still times when I feel like this is all impossible and that I am never going to get him back. Right now though the good times are outweighing the bad. Saying goodbye to Elder Ledingham one month ago made it easier for me to say goodbye to my best friend since elementary school this past week. He has already taught me so much and is such an example to me. I have made it through the first of twenty-four chapters in this "book" of waiting for a missionary. It has been hard and I'm sure will continue to be hard. I already know however that it is going to be oh so worth it. He is growing and becoming the man that our family will need in the future. We are both going to come out of this stronger and ready to take on the craziness of everyday life. One month down, just 23 more to go. We've got this!

P.S. Thinking of cute countdown pictures is also a fun part of being a missionary girlfriend. :)

{Open When Letters}

Elder Ledingham and I are 1,458 miles apart right now. Because of this I obviously can't always be there to make him feel better. So I made 13 "open when letters" so I can still support him even from far away. 

#1: Right Now 

   • Letter explaining letters 

#2: You need to know why I love you- 

    •Letter 

   • Kisses with reasons why I love him

#3: You've had a great day 

     • Note 

    • Confetti 

    • Happy quotes 

#4: You need to laugh 

   •Note 

   •List of jokes 

   •Giant fake mustache 

#5: You need a walk down memory lane 

    • Note 

   • Pictures with dates and explanation 

#6: You need an extra push 

    • Note 

   • Keep moving forward quotes 

   • Talk: "Endure and be lifted up" by Russell M. Nelson 

#7: You need to hear my voice 

    • Note 

   • Flash drive with videos 

#8: It's a rainy day 

    •Note 

   • Coloring book 

   • Silly toy (harmonica) 

   • Rain quotes 

#9: You've had a rough day 

   • Note 

   • Balloons with inspiring quotes 

 

#10: Just Because 

     • Note 

    • Spiritual Directory 

    • Little heart card 

#11: You need a hug 

     • Note 

    • "A hug from afar"

    • Hug quotes 

#12: You are worried about the future 

     • Note 

    • I will wait picture 

    • Trusting God quotes

    • Talk: "Beautiful Mornings" by Bruce D. Porter 

#13: It's your birthday 

     • Note 

    • Balloons 

    • Pictures 

    • Card 

These are only a few open when letter ideas. It was a lot of work to make all of these but the good news is they were just for this package. Hopefully these can brighten at least one of Elder Ledingham's days. I hope you found some ideas for yourself. Open when letters ✔️. 

{HE'S ALIVE}

After being on his mission for just short of a month Elder Ledingham FINALLY sent us some pictures. I know it sounds silly but it was starting to feel kind of like he was just imaginary. I hadn't seen pictures of him as a missionary since he's been gone. So here are some pictures of my elder. He's quite handsome if I do say so myself. P-Days are my new favorite thing. Also as of yesterday there are only 23 more fast Sundays until Elder Ledingham's return. Baby steps... 

{Our Eight Month Anniversary)

It seems completely crazy that Elder Ledingham and I started dating exactly eight months ago today. I'm so happy that I've gotten to spend these past eight months with him and plan to spend many more months with him.

Thinking back on how far we've come makes me realize just how much Heavenly Father is in charge of things here on earth. Many would say that it was just coincidence that we were in so many classes together and that we crossed paths. I know however that Heavenly Father puts people into our lives at the exact time that they are needed. I find myself wishing sometimes that I would've been able to meet Glen earlier than I did but I know that he was put into my life at the exact time that Heavenly Father needed him to be there. Glen and I have both helped each other learn and grow in so many ways. Heavenly Father definitely knew what he was doing when he crossed our paths.

Elder Glen Donald Ledingham helps me each and every day to become a better me. He always encourages me to find people to serve. Through his testimony he strengthened mine and brought me even closer to the amazing gospel of Jesus Christ. He strengthens me and pulls me up when I need him. During times of trial he always reminds me of my testimony and my Heavenly Fathers love for me. He blesses my life just by his example. He is one of the greatest blessings that was put into my life and I thank Heavenly Father every day for him. No matter where our future takes us he will always be a big influence of who I am today and who I want to become.

Of course this anniversary is much different than the ones we celebrated previously but it's still amazing because it means I've been blessed to be with Elder Ledingham for one more month. Although it is hard at times, there is absolutely no other place that I would rather have Glen right now. He continues to make me want to be better by his example. I can't wait until we can celebrate anniversaries together again but for now I am content.

On this eight month journey I have come to realize something. You never really know when you are influencing someones life. Elder Ledingham influenced my life and I influenced his. One of my favorite songs from the musical wicked is Changed For Good. My favorite line from that is as follows "Because I knew you I have been changed for good". I like to think that it will always be because I KNOW you with me and Elder Ledingham. I have been changed for good by Elder Glen Donald Ledingham. That's all I could ask for in life.

 

{One Row Down & Glorious P-Day}

In some ways it seems like it was just yesterday that Elder Ledingham left to serve the Lord. Now just shy of three weeks later I have completed the first row of the countdown! Although it seems kind of silly to celebrate, it's the little things that keep me going. 

It's all about taking things one day at a time while waiting for a missionary. The best part about the wait is that once you make it through a day it's one step closer to your missionaries return. You will never have to live that day (good or bad) again. Even bad days though are one step closer to being with my Glen Donald again. 

Today was also Elder Ledinghams first P-Day in Ohio. It was beyond amazing to be able to hear from him and hear of his experiences. He loves his companion and is adjusting well to Enon. 

As I was sitting waiting for Glen to email me I oddly had butterflies. I guess I got nervous that he will have changed his mind or something silly like that. It reminded me of all of the times he used to give me butterflies which made me smile. Each word from him just made me fall even more in love with him. 

Yes waiting for a missionary is hard but it's days like today that it is all worth it. <3 Elder Ledingham is my best friend and always keeps a smile on my face. I sure do love my goofball and am so proud of him each & every day. 

{Missionary Training Center Packages}

I sent two packages while Elder Ledingham was in the MTC because it was very cheap to do so since I live near there. Making packages is one of the more fun parts of being a missionary girlfriend. This is one of the ways that I feel like I can support him even though he's far away. Plus I just love making him happy. These are pictures of the packages.

Package 1:

LOTS of snacks

A tie with our saying that I made

Package 2:

Treats and pictures for Glen and his district

Matching companion ties with Elder Rowe

I am sure that the packages are only going to get more fun to make. I am working on his valentines package right now and can't wait to post it. Through this experience I have already learned that I cope by doing crafty things. It makes me feel closer to him when I am making him something to show my love. This is one of the parts I already love about being a missionary girlfriend.