The Closet of a Future Missionary

Okay so you know those skirts and shirts you've always thought were plenty conservative and decent?! Yep get ready for it.. Throw them away!

There is no time for tugging your skirt down, pulling your tank top up, and all the other things us girls do on a daily basis to make us modest. Or as a lady with bronchitis said.. "Ain't nobody go time for that."

Throw out the tank tops and bring in the crew cut solid tees for layering purposes.

And those high heels shoes you love.. Box em up! You'll see those babies again in 18 months!

I being the super cutesy clothing person that I am have struggled with the transition into calf length skirts and no fitted skirts. But guess what!!! I have done it and all on a budget(:  

The 3 outfits below were soooo cheap! But full of quality..

Let me let you in on a little secret. I NEVER buy anything FULL price.. That is just tossing extra money out the window I could use for another clearance item!!

So how'd I buy a whole new wardrobe you ask?? On a budget. One word. Clearance.

CLEARANCE.

Yes, that rack that many people think is just for clothes that are out of season or too ugly to be sold. FALSE.

So my very first missionary purchase was 8 cardigans from target! Price of each a whopping....drum roll please....$5.44 cents! So that was a steal!

Second huge find! Oldnavy.com 8 shirts for $50.00?! Um yes. Not to mention two of those were denim button ups for $4 each.. So I'm telling ya there's a way!!

Okay so I know you don't wanna hear all of my bills but let me show you three outfits that each were under $20

(Photo credit: Mau Loa Photography- Fort Smith, Arkansas)

Outfit 1-
Coral Skirt and Seafoam Green top!
Skirt- $5.27 (Dollar General).. It was $5 don't judge I'll be honest I was embarassed to be buying clothing here.. then I tried it on and I was like I am in LOVE.
Top- $10.00 (Crane Clothing, bought from a friend NWT)
Belt- $.50 (Wet Seal)
Grand total! = $15.77

Outfit 2-
Polka dot blouse and Maroon Skirt!
Skirt- $4.99 (Walls)
Top- $7.99
Cardigan- $5.00 (Charlotte Russe)
Belt-$.50 (Wet Seal)
Grand Total- $18.48

Outfit 3-
Denim Blouse- $4.00 (old navy.com)
Black Maxi - $8.00 (forever 21)
Grand Total - $12.00!!

So yes I love a good deal. I've shopped stores I have never shopped for clothes before. But hey! It works. Without breaking the bank. And my leopard Sperrys pictured in all the outfits were $32.00! How amazing.

A sale is good. Clearance is great, but the gospel of Jesus Christ is the absolutle best. I can not wait to serve!! 20 days(: say whaaaaaa!!!

Photo Credit: Mau Loa Photography!

44 days where did my time go?!

My goodness gracious it was only 7 weeks ago I was saying oh my gosh I have to wait 3 months before I leave! I questioned if the General Presidency of the church was trying to test my patience. Haha just kidding, I was just really ready to go because when I knew I was going to serve I KNEW. So why must one wait 3 months? Well let me tell you the Lord knows me oh so well and I love him and this gospel more and more.

This morning I woke up and since it's my little sister's birthday I was like oh it's July 6th... Then it sunk in and I was like wait what?! That means I only have 44 days to be just the ordinary Kimber Jo that I am! My mind was blown as I walked to each of my siblings and said did you know I only had 44 days left, their facial expressions seemed to match mine...where has the time gone?!

Utah is sounding better and better as time goes on and it in a way already feels like my new home. Obviously it will never be home where my family will be, but I'm ready to meet my mission family. I love my life here and I will be just as excited to return home to my life here when it is my time to be back in Arkansas!

My packing list is pretty small... Or so I think.. My mom thinks 15 scarves is 14 too many.. What does she know she doesn't wear scarves!! (: (love you mom)

How many skirts should I bring? How many shoes? How many shirts? All questions running through my mind along with what if I don't pick up spanish quickly??! Out of all these questions I have the one I have that is most profound is how am I going to deal with the the goodbyes at the airport. I know that my family will be taken care of and blessed while I'm away, but I will miss the laughs, the wrestling and all other crazy things my family do on a regular basis. I love them. I love all of my loved ones. It'll be 3.5 years before I see my brother again. I love my Lil bro he's my Bestie. I know this goodbye is possible through my testimony of this gospel that it is the true church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and I know as I put all faith in my father in heaven he will prepare a way.

I love this gospel.