Unexpected Missionary Training

A couple weeks after I opened my call I had the amazing opportunity to go on a trip with a group from my school to the Dominican Republic.

I knew I would be following doctors and helping those in need, but I had no idea that this was going to be life changing experience. 

Things you need to know about the Dominican Republic

1. It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Growing up in Southern Utah I thought that Northern Utah was green... until I saw this everyday.

2. It is ridiculously humid... I tried straightening my hair a couple times and it was hopeless. It made me appreciate Utah's nice dry heat. If you ever visit, expect hair like this

3. Obviously everyone there speaks Spanish so spruce up the good ol' high school espanol (kay I know that's missing the squiggly thing, but I honestly can't find it anywhere). While visiting, be sure to try your best to learn phrases. The people will be willing to work with you and they'll appreciate your effort.

4. Bugs are friends not food. Totally kidding about the food part… I just wanted to quote Finding Nemo.. All jokes aside this is serious stuff. PLEASE BRING BUG SPRAY (unless you feel that little red itchy dots all over your body are flattering). While on my trip I was constantly drenched in bug spray and I'm proud to say I only got three bug bites and after seeing every body's polka dot legs at the end of the trip, I was quite happy with the turn out (: 

5. If you like cold showers, the place is for you.

6. If you like yummy fresh Mexicanish food, the place is for you.

7. For the most part, people are extremely poor. (Poor to us, is filthy rich to them). They literally have nothing, It breaks my heart.

8. Despite their hardships, the people are AMAZING. I've never met more loving, grateful, kind, and giving people. They may not have much, but what they do have they are willing to share.  

Like these lovely ladies they brought us all food, food they could have used to feed their families for a couple days. Not to mention it was delicious.

After the clinic days, my group had the opportunity to stay at an amazing resort and while it was incredibly fun to have warm showers and play by the ocean all day, I would have much rather spent that time helping more people.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the trip.

 While it may have seemed like I was helping the people of the Dominican Republic, they were helping me in so many ways. Not only was it good preparation for my full time mission, but it taught me how to love others, and cherish the little things and moments in life that we all take for granted.
"Where much is given, much is required!"

 Love always,
Kenzie

P.S. Here is a video I put together of the trip… be warned its not the best quality with bumpy bus rides and most of my footage coming from my iPhone. Hope you enjoy (:

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Mission Call Opening Video

I was really excited.. (obviously) ha so my talking skills were at their minimum. I don't really know where that Texas accent came from but it works I guess (Thanks dad for making fun).  Also, rest assured I am going the Philippines not the Philittines haha.

Called to Serve

Yesterday was the day, the day that will change my life forever.  I will always remember May 9, 2013 as the day that I opened my mission call.
I woke up stirring, let's be honest ha I didn't sleep much. I immediately looked at the clock hoping that I may have slept in to 11:00, nope 8:17... ugh. four and half hours until the mailman comes. I spent the rest of the day cleaning everything I possibly could, and I mean EVERYTHING
By 1:00 I thought I would go on a run, and I might happen to stop by the mailbox on my way (I mean he could come early right?)  So I stuck my mail key in my sports bra and was on my way (no judgement zone? cool.) I honestly don't think I've ever run that fast, I'm talkin' like 7 minute mile people. compared to my 10 minute mile pace, I felt like Bolt. Despite my newfound running skills I was heartbroken to find that the mail had not yet arrived. 

I then proceeded to check the mail box every 15 minutes.. once 1:30 rolled around I was not very happy with the mailman. LIKE WHO DOES HE THINK HE IS BEING LATE ON THE DAY THAT MY MISSION CALL SHOULD ARRIVE! 

Finally at the 2:06pm the mailman (who was in fact a mail woman) emerged from her little white van-truck-thingy. She looked at me and smiled saying, "Are you Sister McKenzie Abelhouzen?" I must have looked desperate when I said "YES!!!" because she laughed and handed me the most beautiful huge white envelope. I could have sworn it was glowing haha

now all I had to do was wait six and a half hours.

don't worry I kept myself nice and occupied:
pressing it up against the window (those envelopes are definitely NOT see through)
figuring out a way I could open it with out anyone noticing (no luck)
and baking loads and loads of strawberry shortcake (well mostly eating haha thanks mama (:)

FINALLY, 8:30pm came and all my incredible friends and family began to come. My heart was pounding! I couldn't wait to open my call! 

All my friends and family gathered around me and I read aloud, 

"Dear Sister Abelhouzen:

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 Philippines Laoag Mission!"


I was in shock! Just the night earlier I was telling my friends how sweet it would be to get called to the Philippines, but I honestly didn't think anything of it. I WAS GOING TO MY DREAM MISSION! 


I continued reading and learned that I would be leaving September 25th (FOREVER AWAY) and I would be speaking Tagalog, which I had no idea how to pronounce... so that's a good sign.


I'M SO EXCITED! The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is TRUE! I'm so excited to share this amazing gospel with the people of the Philippines.