Stories from Scotland & Ireland: Farewell Sister Firth

Sister Callie Firth

Scotland/Ireland Mission

June 2013-December 2014

"I could never fully describe how neat it has been to watch Callie prepare to serve a mission. I have been blown away, truly in awe of the magnitude of the decision to serve. Even being the daughter of a return missionary and married to another return missionary, I don't think I truly understood what a courageous and humble decision it is to serve the Lord until I watched it directly in my own family. And what an experience it has been!! The night she opened her call still ranks in my top 5 coolest moments ever. I cry every single time I watch the video and hear the eruption of cheers when she reads her assignment.

When Callie said she wanted to go on a mission, we didn't take her very seriously. Even after the announcement of the age change, and she said again that she wanted to go, I didn't whole-heartedly believe her. Shame on me. Now, looking back, how grateful I am that she DID want to go, that she made that decision all on her own. We have all been blessed to be able to watch her prepare to serve, to be involved in any way we could to help the process along. Even the clothes shopping, luggage packing, and farewell prep has been fun to help with. (And wow, it's a lot of work! Bless you missionaries and missionary parents. I was tired watching my mom and Callie do all the prep work!) She will be so blessed for her willingness to serve, and we will all be blessed because of her decision as well (somehow that feels backwards to me!) Hopefully we can all be better people because of her while she's gone, and help send blessings her way and to those she is teaching.

I can't begin to tell Callie how proud I am of her. For showing us all true willingness to work and learn. She is joining the "Mighty Band of Youth", joining the ranks of other missionaries who have gone before her (in our immediate family, that would include my Dad, Devin, Roger, & Davis). They all know exactly what she's about to do, they can relate to every spiritual, emotional, and physical experience she will go through in the next 18 months. She is doing something truly wonderful.

The aiport drop-off was not near as bad as I thought it'd be (the emotional rollercoaster in the weeks leading up to goodbye was probably much worse), but my emotions have definitely gotten the best of me these last few days. I ran into my Aunt Jodie at Costco the day after she left, not thinking I was having a teary moment at all, but broke down crying as soon as she asked about Callie. I'm sure that will continue to happen for the next year and half, but at the same time we are so happy for her. I will be anxiously waiting by the computer every Wednesday for her email to hear about every single adventure!!

Callie we miss you like crazy. Best of luck to our favorite sister missionary. Scotland/Ireland is so lucky to have you. Here's hoping for a wonderful, successful, and fast 18 months!!!! We love you!!"..........Megan

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"My little sister is on a mission. All the way over in the Scotland/Ireland mission. I think I'm flabbergasted as to how time went this fast. Wasn't she just turning 12 or something? Now she's 19 - and beautiful, and mature, and left last Wednesday for the Preston England MTC. I just can't believe it. She's had her call for almost 6 months....I kind of let time get away from me. And now it's here.

We have literally hundreds of pictures to document this day and the few days surrounding her leaving. Going through them was exhausting...you can imagine how hard it was to choose which ones to post.

She did a.w.e.s.o.m.e giving her farewell talk. I started to cry before the opening hymn was over. And everytime I looked at my mom she was teary as well, which didn't help the waterworks.

My parents put on quite the party for her. Amazing food, a pretty yard, and such kind and supportive family and friends to celebrate with us rounded out a pretty awesome day. My mom single handedly planned and prepared for this day. And it was just perfect. Months of stress, not to mention the small fortune my parents spent getting her ready to serve was eye opening to me. I applaud all of you missionary parents. This is quite the effort of labor and love!

The morning she left was exciting, happy, a bit tearful, and a total blast. I thought it was a ball watching the whole process (minus having to turn around and go get her debit card that was left at the house. oops.)! My mom thought is was easier than expected, my dad thought it was harder. My dad literally sat at the airport with his binoculars to watch her plane take off.

Callie looked beautiful. I usually avoid discussing subjects related to religion too much, but I have to say Callie glowed that morning. She looked the part of a missionary. I am so proud of her decision to serve the Lord. This decision was not taken lightly and requires a good amount of sacrifice and hard work. She will be so blessed for this decision! I cannot wait to watch her succeed these next 18 months! Good luck Callie! We are so proud of you! We think of you every single day! We love you!!!".......Ashlee

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"Callie told us like 6 ish months ago that she was going to go on a mission. We sort of all didn't know how to stomach it, she is our baby sister and the only one in our family to ever serve a mission. Actually she is the only girl on my mom's side to ever serve and the second girl on my dad's side. To say that we are proud of her is an understatment. She is servind in the Scotland/Ireland mission, arrives June 13 in the England MTC (yep she totally skips provo), speaking English. Our family is going to miss Callie so bad. She is the funniest most amazing sister and friend I could ever have. Love you Cal-terd!"......Whitney

Farewell.........