The Journey Begins - January 10 & 11, 2017

Saying goodbye to darling Rebecca was difficult, but we all somehow managed! Spencer came over to say goodbye, and then Gentry stopped by right after she got off work! Then, after the van was all packed, we drove by Simply Mac to say goodbye to Ben. Lindsay was in a work meeting when we finally were leaving, but Rebecca was able to say goodbye to Lindsay on the phone. We left St. George sometime in the late afternoon on Tuesday, January 10, 2017. What an interesting feeling to think that Rebecca would be gone for 18 months! We will miss her so much! But we know that she will be a fabulous missionary, and she is doing what the Lord wants her to do... preach the gospel!

Saying "goodbye" to Ben!

Enjoying the car ride....lots to think about!

I-15 scenery

We were able to see Selma, Jacob and Janson on our way up to Eagle Mountain, as they wanted to see Rebecca one last time! It was awesome!

Then we finally arrived at Doug and Rochelle's home. Their children were already in bed, but it was certainly a joyous reunion in the morning when the cute cousins gradually woke up to get ready for school, and they were able to be with Rebecca and give her lots of hugs before they left for school, and we left to drive to the MTC!

Rebecca and Kaylee

Rebecca and Ellie

Rebecca and Sierra

More hugs for Ellie!

Hunter is a stud!

One more pose with Ellie! These two are joined at the hip!

Chase loves Rebecca also!

Then we were off to the MTC. There was a lot of snow that week, and that morning, so we had to drive very slowly. We stopped at the Provo Temple for awhile to get more pictures until it was time to report to the MTC. We had a few tears in the car thinking about what was ahead....

Best siblings and best friends!

We will miss our darling missionary!

We sure love the Provo Temple!

That's our girl!

Sister Allred!

Looking at the temple, with the MTC in the background!

The time is getting closer! 

These two are going to miss each other a lot!

Our family of three, soon to be two😢

After a wonderful hour at the Provo Temple, it was time! 12:30 pm had arrived. When Rebecca decided she was finally ready, we got back into the van, and headed to the MTC. So many tender emotions were swirling around in our hearts. And yet, we are so proud of Rebecca, and so happy that she has the privilege of preaching the gospel, and serving the Lord!

Goodbye "bro"! Goodbye "sis"!!!

Darling Sister Allred!

Mom and daughter!

The last goodbye!

And she's off! Our few minutes with our beautiful missionary are up.
Goodbye to our beautiful sister missionary!

The Missionary Training Center... What a blessed place!

We are back on the road, headed toward I-15, and St. George!

We loved passing the Provo City Center Temple!

And the all-too-familiar I-15 toward St. George! 

Called to Serve - Dec 2, 2017 - Jan 10, 2018

Rebecca received her mission call on Friday, December 2, 2017. It was an exciting day, and we met as family and friends to watch her open her mission call. She was called to serve in the California Rancho Cucamonga Mission and reported to the Provo MTC on Wednesday, January 8, 2017. It was a busy 5 1/2 weeks, finding clothes, shoes, sweaters, and the list goes on....

Sister Rebecca Allred

Photos at the St. George Temple. Of course, it was raining!

With so little time to get ready, her "farewell testimony" was on Sunday, January 8, 2017, which also happened to be Fast and Testimony Meeting. The bishop had her give a "special testimony" and then they opened it up for ward members to bear their testimonies. It was a wonderful meeting, and so tender to hear Rebecca's testimony. Many family and friends came over to our house to greet her and wish her well. Rochelle took some amazing photos of Rebecca and our family!

Preston and Rebecca are best friends!!!

The Allred siblings!

Rebecca and Ellie - best cousins!

Chase is growing up!

Rebecca was set apart by Pres. Almquist on Monday evening, January 9th. What an amazing experience. He asked each of us to give her counsel about serving as a missionary, and many of us bore testimonies also. She also gave a pure and tender testimony. Rebecca is ready to serve the Lord! It was a beautiful setting apart and wonderful blessing!