My Mission Awaits

[Yoshiken]

I know that individuals with farewells and departures were told to post in the Journal, but I had to post in the Café. Please understand I do have reasons, which will be explained in the following paragraphs. Everyone who opens this topic up, please strive to read everything I say, even if the post happens to be long, I have some very important information to give to many people. If you still think that this needs to be moved after you are done reading it, then please reconsider.

Well, the day is finally upon us my friends. I have given word of this moment time and time again in the past, but there are probably many people who still have no idea. For those of you who do not know what I speak of, or who have forgotten, I will speak of it once more.

I was called to serve on a mission for the LDS Church to Toronto, Canada, and the area around it. I will be on a mission for 2 years, and will be unable to go online at any time (correction: I can check my email once a week, but it will be a different email from what I have now, so once I get that email, I will make sure you are all informed). This means that I will not be on this Message Board, DA, MSN, AIM, or anything else online for two years. So I have come to give a final farewell to all my friends here.

My last day that I will be online will be a week from this Friday.

This mission means a lot to me. It not only gives me spiritual fulfillment, but it gives me physical, social, and emotional fulfillment as well. It will teach me how to live on my own, and how to rely on myself. I will learn how to socialize with others better, and I will ultimately become more mature. I will be able to immerse myself in the diversity of many different groups of people. I will gain experiences that will be treasured my whole life. I will understand the value of hard work and dedication.

Before I start my farewell though, I want everyone to remember that I will most definitely return in two years. I could never leave this place. It has too many memories.

I have been on this Message Board since the very beginning (I was actually the 2nd or 3rd to join). I have witnessed the good and the bad of every event in this Forum. I have been able to see every member join. I will never forget what I experienced and what memories I gained. You are all not just my friends, but you are my family. Thank you all so much for everything you have done to make these last years the best I have ever had.

The 1st reason that I wanted to not place this in the journal, is because I know some people who do not look in the journal, and I wanted to make sure that I have everyone’s address and email. I would like to send letters to anyone I can while I am on my mission, and since I will not know my address until I actually get there, I will not be able to give out my address. This means that I need anyone who wants me to mail them to come onto MSN and send me a message giving their street address, so that I am able to send them letters. I understand that some do not want to give out their address to anyone online, which is acceptable. I am getting a missionary Email in August, so if anyone does not choose to give their street address, or if they want to give me both, come onto MSN and give me your Email address.

I will make sure that I am online as much as I can be for the next week.

Another reason I chose to post this in the Café, is because I do not want anyone missing my post, and thinking that I have abandoned the Message Board when they see that I haven’t posted in like a year. I would never do such a thing to a great family such as this one.

So yes, I wanted to say farewell and goodbye to all my friends here. I apologize for not socializing with everyone more, and I do regret that. I hope that I hear from many of you while I am out on my mission. This forum is the greatest community I have ever been involved in, and it most likely always will be.

So farewell my friends, and please don’t forget me, as it is impossible for me to forget you.

See you all June 7th, 2009!

[Strangie]

Haha, dang. You did have all of this all planned out, huh...

Well, what can I say. We've definitely had some good times. Anybody who's been here from the olden days will definitely remember you, I'm sure.

By the way, we still need to do that oC session >>

And maybe one more phone convo D:

I think you have my address and everything. XD So we're good. Two years. Watch yourself out there. Though... you won't be too far away from where I live, so if angry mobs start chasing you, you know exactly where NOT to go. Because I don't want angry mobs at my doorstep. D:

Nah, I kid. XD But seriously. You be careful out there. Have fun and stuff. And, um... bah, I got nothing else. I'm writing this as I think. Oh well. Have a good one. Or, rather, a couple of good ones.

[Anjil]

Oh, Kurtis... You know how proud I am of you.

Wow, self-sufficiency? Socializing? I didn't even think of all the things you'd be improving and testing while out there, other than your testimony. You know I'm behind you all the way.

You are going to do amazing out there. You know so much more about the Church than anyone else I know. And, well, you are the greatest teacher I've ever had. You're very determined and you definitely have a way with words. I am so thankful that I was able to meet you on this very message board, and that I was able to learn so much from you. You've really changed my life in a way that's near impossible to imagine. You've made me a much better person in these last two (almost three) years.

Heh... wow, I'm not sure what I'm going to do without you yet. I mean, I spend almost all my time with you. XD It's going to be really weird at first, but I'm sure I'll get used to it. Write me as soon as possible! And expect a whole lot of decorations in my letters, haha. And don't forget to take as many photos as you can!

It's a shame you won't get to see my baptism. I wish I could've set an earlier date. But just don't forget it's on June 24th. I'll be thinking about you that night, hehe.

Oh oh, and yup. We need another three-way convo or something. XD And maybe a couple oC sessions. I'm free for the next week, I think. 'Cept for tonight, of course. And when I decide to see PotC3~ :D

I love you so much, Kurtis. Don't you forget that. I'll be supporting you all the way from your setting-apart till you finally return. Stay safe out there. ^^

[teh yoshi]

You're totally going to show all those Canadians what you got! Give 'em heck, Kurtis! I mean.. uh.. give them faith!

But wow... two years of complete devotion to something such as that and lose the simple joys of everyday life such as chatting with friends and surfing the Internet. I really am at a loss for words because it is something I cannot completely comprehend. All I could fear is that if I were to return from such a long hiatus, cars would be flying and running off water or baby oil while shooting lasers and turning everything into chrome.

Anyway, Kurtis, you must promise me that we ought to keep in touch more often! Send a message my way once in a while on AIM or MSN, and when you do depart, make sure you keep me posted on your adventures on your mission. I'm pretty sure you have my email.

You take care, Kurtis. Have a good one out there. Don't change too drastically on us! Never let go of the good memories we've shared. We're one of the original gangsta' Yoshi's Corner members left! I can't afford to lose you!

Keepin' it real.

EDIT: Don't worry, I'll keep Angela in check. XD She's not going anywhere!

[Masakuni]

Well, I never got to know you well, but all I have to say is; good luck on that mission Yoshiken. I wish you the best for those 2 years.

[red.yoshi]

Yoshiken, I really don't know what to tell you. What your about to go through seems so awesome! I'm looking up to you, pal.

I remember when I first joined these forums a couple of years ago. It seems like yesterday I was asking Teh for e-mail help with my account XD. Don't forget the good times you shared with us RPing, and even talking to us on aim. I think it was actually Yoshiko who introduced me to you =).

I really don't know what to say, I was moved by what you are doing, and this "last farewell" so to speak to all of us here at Yoshi's Corner. These two years are going to be some of the most important years of your life. Keep your family, friends, and loved ones closest to your heart.

Take courage, don't forget us here at Yoshi's Corner, and have a blessed mission.
Wishing you a safe and Holy journey,
red.yoshi

[Brute]

Heh, I guess that our match of the century on Brawl will have to be put on hold for a little while. XD

Wow!! Who woulda thought that I could meet an awesome friend like you, and our birthdays are only 8 days apart! XD I know that you will do an awesome job, and I hope you stay safe out there as well. All of the Yoshi's Corner members, (new and veteran members,) will surely remember and miss you. ^^

I'll try to see if I can send you any of my music that I may make in the future for you to listen and enjoy. My applied voice teacher is from Canada, but I'm not sure if she's from Toronto though. ^^ And remember, try to lay off of the Hockey and maple syrup, m'kay? XD

[Twi]

It just draws closer doesn't it? I'm sure you'll have a blast up thar in Canadia and get your spiritual, mental, physical, social and et cetera fulfillment. Even though I ain't known ya as much or as long as other golden oldies of the board, the times I've talked to ya over MSN have been pretty fun, can't beat philosophy between and atheist and a mormon eh? In fact, most our conversations were based around things beginning with the letters "ph", how crazy.

Well, not much I can really say, I've been pretty busy with GCSEs so I haven't had time to catch ya, but I believe I did give ya my address, and if you want me mobile number I can give ya that too, just in case the letters fall into a ditch over the Atlantic.

Take care of yaself mate! I'd never be able to spend two years away from the people I like, and I have the utmost respect for ya on that. In two years time, I'll and probably everyone will be right where you left 'em.

Have fun, Kurtis, and don't ferget t'write!

[Enrique]

First of all, I would like to say congratulations on achieving your goal, Yoshiken. I hope your life is fulfilled with your journey and I hope you are as equally happy for your life as it seems that you are now. I hope you are successful in your mission; I hope you the best in the future to come.

We'll never forget you. I certainly won't; even considering I haven't had nearly as much contact with you compared to many of the people in this community.

[Zippy]

It’s a shame I never really got to knowing you, and because of that, I don’t really have many memories apart from your activities at the forum, but as with every member of this place, I do feel a family-like connection that has grown over the nearly two years that I have been here at YC. You’re no exception, Yoshiken. Well, I know I can’t really type much, as the whole idea of a mission is unknown to me (I’ve not once been to church), but I can wish you the best on your journeys that shall unfold over the next two years.

Have a safe journey!

[Lord of the Dance]

Wow, haha. You're going to be gone almost as long as I've been here.
Even though I never really got around to knowing you well, I remember that you were the subject of my first fanart/giftart thing, haha. Congrats on that D=

Well, have fun. And don't turn all Canadian accent on us, even though they're really cool, okay?

[Max "Snow" Andershi]

Perhaps I'm not the best one to post here, as we've never met, never said hello on a carefree day, never talked, never played a game, never shared a moment save for maybe once or twice, but I still feel compelled to say something to you before you leave.

Hah, I'm sounding like a poet or something, silly me.

Mission in Toronto, huh? That'll no doubt be interesting for you--I'm sure that you'll be able to add many new experiences to what you've already had, and from the little I've seen of you, I'm sure that everything you expect from the trip will be accomplished. And wow, two years? I already knew that a mission would take that long, but man, I don't think I'd be able to last that long without the internet, to be perfectly honest. The websites I could survive without, but I think I'd go crazy without my friends for that long. Actually, I don't think I'd last a week without going crazy, haha.

Also, you are a lucky man, Yoshiken (I would use your real name due to the topic of this post, but as we've technically never really talked, I don't quite feel like I should). Even just reading the responses on here, I can feel the love, admiration and respect that everyone holds for you, and it leaves me in awe. I was getting choked up, and I'm not even the one leaving, haha. But I can definitely tell that you will be missed and thought about, as well as that you will be welcomed back very warmly upon your return. And I certainly see no reason why you don't deserve all of that and more.

I would say to never forget this place, as it will never forget you, but you already know that, so there's no need to explain. In the end, I hope that you have the best time possible while on your mission, that you stay safe, and that you will always be able to feel the love of those who care for you, your family.

I may not really know you, we may not really be friends, but I hope that what I had to say will measure up to even one iota of the respect that you deserve.

[Moot]

Every time I hear "mission" I get the idea you're going on some sort of Tactical Espionage Action, so remember to at least take a good sized cardboard box with you.

I doubt anyone will forget you being one of the very first members here and all, and we'll all be here when you get back, unless anyone dies or ends up in prison or some other unlikely event.

Bring back pictures if you're able <_>

[emvee]

As moot said, I really doubt anyone could forget you, and we will be here for when you return, so don't be afraid of that.

Also, I know we haven't talked at all, or really socialised, but I wanted to wish you Godspeed on your travels and your mission. It's truly admirable that you're undertaking this spiritual journey, and only wish I could find the courage within myself to do the same.

Take the greatest care, Yoshiken, and may happiness and respect constantly find its way to you.

[Rainbow Yoshi]

Wow, it's finally here. You're going on your mission. You've been looking forward to it for a long time, haven't you?

Well, I'm really at a loss of words. I wish you the best of luck out there. I'll miss you while you're away, that's for sure.

You still have my e-mail address, right? I want to keep in touch with you a bit, even if it is just once a week. (Not that I've even been here once a week, but I'll change that >_>)

I want to know all about it when you return. Remember, I'll leave for a mission too, in 4 years.

Hm, I'm not sure what else to say, except I know that these following two years will be your best two years. *Is reminded of the movie* They will be full of experiences you will never forget. You'll be able to relate any event in the church to your mission once you return. Remember what Gordon B. Hinckley said? He said that he could relate everything good in his life to his decision to serve a mission. And look at how he turned out.

Farewell, Yoshiken. I hope you have a great time out there, and I look forward to seeing you in two years.

[Yoshi]

Well, if that's the way it's gotta be then. Later.

We'll check the E-mail sometime.

[Yoshiken]

Well, this day will be my last day online ^^.

Thank you all for the comments, they help relieve me any stress I have XD. I will be sure to email and mail you all as much as I can. However, I probably wont get my "missionary" email til about the end of July, so just have patience for my email XD. Also, since I have so many emails and addresses, I won't be able to send you all one in a continual manner. So expect one or two a month for each of you XD.

Farewell!

[BlackWingedYoshi]

You got your mission call already? Kris never told me....oh well...My sister left in April to Taiwan. Did I already tell you that? Whatever...Well good luck on your mission.

[Teo]

Curse my unpredictable migration patterns! I missed your leave, and I hardly knew it!! Gah!

I know we don't know each other much, and I haven't even been around lately, but anyone leaving this place deserves a little goodbye (except maybe Joey). So... well, goodbye. See you in two years... however long two years is to you. Will it go by as a second or an eternity, two years is impossible to get a feel for.

Hey, can someone post his E-mail HERE so we can all send encouragement every week? I don't know if he'll get sick of it after awhile but... it would be nice if he all knew we were there :3

(YES, I KNOW this post is late thanks, I noticed. Better late then nev- aw heck. Two weeks late and still saying goodbye, he's that cool folks, it's never late for Kurtis.)

[Kingdomyoshi]

Geez that must suck

did you choose to do this or did you had no choices

we'll miss you pal