Officially Becoming "Sister Vehar"

Our stake president, President Chad Larsen, came to our home at 7pm on Tuesday, January 30th to set Kaeleigh apart as a full time missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He visited with her for a few minutes and discussed what it means to be set apart and the rules that would now apply to her immediately and also bless her as a missionary. President Larsen called the family in and we all visited together and he asked us all what it meant to have Kaeleigh doing this and the growth that we've seen. He also asked for commitments from her siblings about things they would do while she was gone. Carson said he would read the Book of Mormon, Deegan said he would say his prayers, and Ashlyn said that she would prepare to go to the temple on her 12th birthday, just before Kaeleigh comes home from her mission.

Blessing given to set Kaeleigh apart as a full time missionary (Mom took notes with the permission of the stake president and typed them up to send with Sister Vehar on her mission):

Sister Kaeleigh Laurine Vehar,

You are called as a representative of our Savior, Jesus Christ to serve in the Ukraine, Kyiv mission or any subsequent mission.

I give you the rights, powers and privileges needed as a missionary that your brother and Savior Jesus Christ has. I bless you to feel in your heart and mind this call from your Heavenly Father. Know that preparation for this mission is not limited to past months and years. Know that you have prepared before you were even born to represent Jesus Christ as a missionary. You planned for this.

I bless you to feel your Heavenly Father's love for you. He knows you and is aware of every circumstance and situation. He will never leave you alone. He blesses you with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. I bless you to recognize the power that comes with the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Bless you that sacrament will mean the world to you each week as you remember that you will have His spirit to be with you.

I bless you at the MTC to be mindful that Heavenly Father will help you transition, learn the language and learn the lessons.

Have a love for Preach My Gospel and the power that comes from that.

I bless you with spiritual gifts-that you will be aware of and continue to develop as a missionary. You have been blessed with the greatest gifts of the spirit, Obedience, and I bless you that gift will continue to be magnified on your mission as you will not question. Look for opportunities to follow council. Heavenly Father will bless you for your obedience.

I bless you with the gift of tongues that after the invigorated stage, you will be patient with yourself. I bless you that as you learn the language, it will be gradual, but miraculous how well you will communicate and interact with the people. I wish to impress upon you that the most important language isn't the Russian or Ukrainian that you will learn, but the language of the Spirit. I bless you that you will listen to the promptings in your heart and mind and learn how the Spirit speaks to you individually. This will bring you joy, happiness and a multitude of blessings the rest of your life. Be sensitive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost. You will know through these promptings Heavenly Father's love for you.

I bless you that as you interact with those on your mission, and some you may only meet briefly, that they will feel your spirit of love. Many people will be touched, friendships will be made, you will have discussions with and doors will be opened because of your love.

I bless you that you will find joy in this service. Joy and happiness is a daily decision. Look for the positive. There will be times that you will miss home and the things that you are familiar with. Rather than dwell on being homesick, recognize the thoughts and feelings you have of home. Those will turn to deep gratitude and you will feel a need to express to Heavenly Father your gratitude for family, your experience of love and kindness. Others don't have what you have.

You will be comfortable making specific invitations. You will help others make changes to progress and grow closer to the Savior.

I bless you with the physical, emotional, and mental strength needed as a missionary. Recognize Heavenly Father's influence and answers in times of difficulty and struggles. I bless you to recognize the power of prayer. Heavenly Father loves you and will give you answers to prayers.

On your mission, you will strengthen many. Look at and see your companions with love and appreciation. See them as the Savior sees them. Look for the good in them. You will be a source of strength to them when they struggle. Be a light to them. I bless you to be able to share your thoughts and feelings.

Observe your mission president and wife closely. Learn things for your future with your husband. Learn of the important things for your own relationship. Seek their guidance.

You will have the opportunity to teach and lead others and this will bring you joy and strength. You will have a great impact.

I express appreciation for your willingness and desire to serve. I bless you with peace and calmness as you travel.


Kaeleigh and President Chad Larsen