Investigators Appreciate Pretty Too

First impressions are huge right? That's sort of opposite what they originally tell you in Young Women's, but it appears to be the truth. When an individual is wearing cute attire in bright colors they appear to be more welcoming and less intimidating to talk too. Missionaries already come in pairs and have legit name tags with Jesus Christ's name on them and I don't know about you, but if I had no speck of knowledge about our religion, I would be a little wary to talk to them. In that first impression you really only have that one shot to present yourself in a way that fully portrays who you are and once that moment is gone, *POOF* it's hard to take back. Now I know that you should not base everything on looks and such, but personally speaking, when I look presentable, I feel more confident in myself. I am more outgoing and happy and ready to help others. So wouldn't it make sense to have the same mindset throughout a mission?

Now I'm not saying you have to go all out what with the powder and the mascara and the eyeshadow and blah blah blah, on and on and on so that you end up looking like a picture perfect pageant queen, but I still believe in doing your best to look like a beautiful daughter of God no matter where you are called to, no matter if that means make up or just dressing in a figure friendly way. We are still girls and we are still representatives of Him after all so we should always try and look our best.

My father, a missionary himself a few decades ago, argues with me that the Spirit should be the only bit  of confidence that you need which is in a sense, very true. Now I don't know if this is his way of ensuring that I stay focused on my missionary purpose and from protecting me from any single Peruvians that I happen to bump into, but rest assured that dressing nicely to impress is not my thought process. Having the Holy Ghost with you will undoubtedly give you the confidence to say what you need to say, but, pardon my boldness, looking cute makes women feel great! Most time you'll notice that their efforts aren't for that cute boy next door but really, they dress up for themselves. Not to mention the fact that when you look more presentable, more people are okay with you coming into their homes. Investigators appreciate pretty too! Let's face it, a church of beautiful people is a bit more enticing.

With going to Lima, Peru my outfits will portray more function and comfort than anything else-- but will integrate my style into it because who says that you can't have both? ;) Bringing items that are intermixable are key to make sure that I don't get bored with the limited amount of space that I have. I mean, 18 months with only about a weeks worth of clothes? "You have to be pulling my leg," --Gru, Despicable Me.  Make sure there is an ample amount of varying prints and colors to make for an exciting wardrobe and make it FUN! If you don't love what you bring, you're going to have a really hard time liking it a year down the road. Down below you can see the different looks I can get by just adding a different skirt!  Putting a fun, yet comfortable cheetah sweater with my skirts add a different twist onto the outfit! Goodbye grandma sweaters and hello cheetah power. Rawr.

Feel free to comment on what you think about this! Am I just being a bit too... "Chelsea" about this or are people picking up what I am putting down? Thanks for reading!

xoxo,
Chels