Called to Serve

Hanna Noelle Munns was called to serve in the Spain, Barcelona mission. She left for the Madrid MTC on July 23.  This blog is to help share her mission adventures with all those interested.

I'm her sister in law Logan and I love Hanna to death!  She has been a wonderful friend, sister and aunt, and that's just to my little part of the family. I volunteered to keep this blog up for her, but I don't have a ton of experience in the field.  If any family members feel like guest writing, you are more than welcome!

First things first....

Hanna received her call in the mail on February 28, sort of.  After much delay and several calls made both to the post office and church HQ her travel itinerary arrived.  NOT THE ACTUAL CALL FIRST.  This made for a somewhat confusing, although still extremely exciting family party the next day.  (BTW that first day Hanna and I did not, I repeat NOT peak thru the envelope and see the information early.  We did, definitely try, but were NOT successful).  As with any Munns family gettogether there was some definite noise goin on.  The official call came a little over a week later, and even though Hanna was worried, it still said the same thing:  Barcelona, Spain, Spanish speaking.

If anyone can tell me how to load the video from Brady's phone I can show you how loud. Crazy good moment.

Well fast forward almost 5 months and Hanna is all ready to go.  Her endowments had been taken out Mother's Day weekend and she'd been a regular attender ever since.  She's now got her beautiful stylin' mission approved wardrobe and make-up, accessories, and let's not forget that burnin' desire to spread the gospel packed.  Some tears have been shed from several people and she hasn't even given her talk yet, and what a talk it will be!

Sunday July 21 Hanna hits it outta the park.  Her talk was beautifully constructed and powerfully delivered.  We all knew, this girl is gonna be one incredible missionary.  Her talk was on believing Christ, not just believing in him but believing HIM.  Wonderful testimony, touching stories, spirit abounding.  It had it all.  If you were there you felt it deeply, if you weren't you should wish you were there.  Don't worry, my next blog will be a transcript of that talk. 

Later that evening she was set apart in a room with her parents and other loved ones that could be there.  I may have gotten a little misty eyed myself.  May I just say that I wish I could see her with her badge now; I bet the title fits her like a glove:  Sister Munns, missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Quickly rolls upon us Tuesday July 24.  She arrived at the airport at about 7:30 am, big purple bag ready.

Tears, a hug for every individual person, goodbye waves and she finally got into the security line.  Her parents and every one of her siblings watched over her through the entire line and out of the security area, waving and flashing 'I Love You' hand signs until she was out of sight.  Even then, I think they lingered a little longer.

Her flight was scheduled to leave at 9:45 am.  She landed in Atlanta and sent out a pic via someone else's phone to let us know she made it safe.

"Love you forever and made it safe to Atlanta! Heading to Spain"

8 Hours ahead of us she landed safely in Madrid. It was about midnight here.

Much to the comfort of here mother that day a small mercy happened.  Hanna was at the temple with her companion when a visiting woman from the states asked them to take her picture.  Discovering it was their first day she took their pic in turn and sent it to their mothers. 

Hanna and her first companion Hermana Rawle at the Madrid temple.

Here is a snip from her first email out:

The flight was good. I sat by a bunch of elders who made me laugh my head off so I had a good time! I had a window seat on my flight to Spain so it was cool to see Spain from ¨thirty thousand feet above¨-Marty. I am doing ok.. I´m not gonna lie, I got really homesick on the flight over. All because I ate some fruit.. WHAT?? Weird, I know. I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss you all but I am doing well.
...
Please pray for me. I love being a missionary though and I got my nametag! That was pretty surreal.


Her next email should be coming Monday. CAN'T WAIT!