Life Through the Eyes of a BYU Cougar!: Berlin, Germany!

Dear Berlin Germany Mission,

Found these on my computer :)

I hope you know that you have one of the greatest people I know coming to your city. He's my brother, Joseph. You will see him in a suit and a name tag on his pocket telling you he is a missionary for the LDS church. He is my best friend, so please take care of him. I am going to miss him more that I can express. We were very close while we were younger. We liked the same things, were close in age and we played together all the time. As we both grew up, I still considered him my best friend even though we didn't talk as much. We would still tease each other all the time, though. As I moved out, we didn't talk very much at all. I wish I could go back and change that and make him talk to me but I can't. I would often text him to see how he was, or tell him I had a crappy day. He would respond and give me advice and tell me he loved me. I remember one night just feeling so angry at something that had happened that day. I texted him at 3 am cause I couldn't sleep. In the morning I got a reply back. He told me that he had missed me the previous night too and loved me and gave me some advice on what to do to remove that anger. It was so thoughtful.

The day the call came. Almost 5 months ago! :) So proud!!

We had a few moments like that. When I would come home we would tease each other and sometimes say things that were mean, but I always forgave him and hoped he had forgiven me too. Then one day I was taking a final and got a phone call in the middle of it. Of course I couldn't answer it, but when I was done I saw that it was Joseph. I called him back and he asked if I wanted to go to a movie with him. He understood I had finals, so if I couldn't it would be all right. However, I had only one more final to go and would take in on Monday so I couldn't say no to an offer to a movie. We talked more deeply that night and I really enjoyed it.

So Berlin, you see why I need you to take good care of him? He is such a great guy and I am so blessed to have him in my life. It has been harder than expected to let him leave for you. Two years is just so long and I have a hard time thinking what it will be like without him. Don't get me wrong, I am so proud of him and excited for him to go. But just a little sad. Take care of him, give him the experiences he needs, let him grow!

Joseph, I love you Bud! I am going to miss you a lot, but I want you to know how proud I am of your decision to serve a mission. I love being your big sister and can't wait to see how you grow and mature over the next two years. You are going to be a fantastic missionary and I am so excited for you. Keep up the great work! LOVE YOU LOTS

Love,

Rach