When I was 21 I chose to serve a mission for my church. I wanted to be a sister missionary since I was a little girl. However, it wasn’t easy for me to get on a mission. I had to cancel a wedding and put school on hold. It was so emotionally taxing, but I knew I wanted to be a missionary. When you put in your papers to serve you can be called to pretty much anywhere in the world. With anticipation, I read that I was being called to Knoxville, TN, and that I would serve for 18 months. If you know me, you know that is the perfect fit for me. I LOVED my mission. It was such a blessing in my life (still is), and I am beyond grateful for that experience. I wanted to do a shoot that would symbolize the best 18 months.

Those 18 months were some of the best and some of the hardest months of my life. I met so many amazing people. I grew in so many ways I didn’t know were possible. I came to know myself on a deeper level. I gained a relationship with Jesus Christ that became a foundation in my life.

Becoming a mother wasn’t easy for me either. We had years of infertility and multiple losses. It was emotionally taxing, but I knew I wanted to be a Mama. We didn’t know if we were going to have a boy or a girl. With anticipation, I heard Sean say,” It’s a girl!”. I may not be the perfect Mom, but she is the perfect daughter for me. Really, she is a mini-me in so many ways! I love being a mom. It’s such an incredible blessing in my life (and will be for eternity), and I am beyond grateful that I have been able to have this experience.

These last 18 months were some of the best and some of the hardest months of my life. I met and watched the most amazing baby girl grow up. I grew in so many ways I didn’t know were possible. I came to know myself on a deeper level. I gained an even stronger relationship with Jesus Christ that has carried me through some dark moments.

My mission brought me life’s greatest blessings. I used to say my mission was the best choice I ever made. While it was wonderful, nothing trumps this mission of motherhood I have embarked on. I love being a mom.

I would be elated if Emmy followed in my footsteps and chose to serve a mission. Maybe, in 18 years, I will be writing about my Sister Crowell and all the experiences she is having. We will have to wait and see what this wildflower blossoms into! Regardless if she serves a mission or not- she will make waves!

Love you Emmy Lou, thanks for giving me the BEST 18 months of my life!

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