My friend Calie

Sister Calie Hill

Texas, San Antonio Mission

Marianne, Kathie (Calie's mom), Calie, myself, and Nikki
Former Young Women Leaders farewell lunch at Bajios for Calie

• One of my former Mia Maids left for her mission in mid-December. She was called to serve in the Texas, San Antonio Mission. Calie is awesome! She has always talked about serving a mission and finally that time came. Calie is also a character! Ya, never know what is up her sleeve.

• During our first youth conference together (she was fourteen) she created a lasting memory for the two of us. No, it wasn't a spiritual experience. I was alone at the time in my small tent getting ready for bed. She unzipped the tent door and opened it to say good-night and little did I know that wasn't really her main intent. She snuck in a live frog without me knowing. Before too long I discover my new tent buddy, the frog. I'm past the days of finding joy in handling little creatures like this, so I wasn't too thrilled. This was only the beginning of many vivid memories of Calie. Despite the frog incident, I still loved her. We spent many girl's camps and youth conferences together and I was always on the lookout for one of her many pranks.

• Several years later Calie ended up working for Russell on his BYU grounds crew and she became his lead student. Russell and Calie created a special relationship too. Oh and yes, she pulled many pranks there too. Her companions better watch their backs!

• When she spoke in our Ward before she left, she gave a powerful talk and bore a firm testimony. She is so ready to go spread the gospel with the Texans. I love you Calie.

• P.S. She was able to be in the MTC with her younger brother, Dallin, who got called to serve in the Philippines. They spent Christmas together in the MTC!