Love Our Missionaries: Meet Sister Hannah Avery

Hannah Avery is the daughter of Doug and Shannon Avery, and the sister of Elder Jacob Avery who was recently called to serve as a missionary in the Peru Lima West Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Hannah and Jacob have three other brothers, Joshua, Jared, and Jonathan (deceased), and two younger sisters, Rebekah and Abigail.

Hermana Hannah Shay Avery

The Avery Family
Jacob, Rebekah, Jared, Joshua, Hannah, Shannon, Doug and Abigail

Hannah spent most of her life in Maryland before moving to Utah as a freshman in high school. She was in the first graduating class at Herriman High School, attended Salt Lake Community College and Utah State University, and is an avid lacrosse player. Something she doesn't like to share with people is that she also plays piano and sings like an angel (in her mom's humble opinion). Right now she works at 1-800-Contacts as a live chat agent.

Just after her 20th birthday, and right around the time her brother submitted his application for missionary service, Hannah made the decision to serve a mission. Being a missionary has never been something Hannah planned to do. As a matter of fact, she would get downright hostile if the topic was discussed (I can say that because I'm her mom haha!). She explains now that the idea of a mission could not settle in her mind until she recognized her fears of inadequacy and anxiety about approaching strangers with the message of the Gospel were the only things that were keeping her from serving. She says that she came to understand that the Savior's atonement is not only for our sins, but also overcomes our fears and weakness. She realized that she can do all things through Him, and that is what gave her the courage, and ultimately the desire, to serve.

Since making the decision to serve a mission, Hannah has been overwhelmed with support from family and friends. Even her leadership team at work has been very encouraging and supportive. Because Hannah doesn't want to leave for her mission until August, she waited until April 2nd (120 days before her availability date) to submit her application to Church Headquarters.

Hannah's mission assignment arrived as expected, on April 17, 2013. She had many friends and family present when she opened her letter, including her parents, all her brothers and sisters, and her grandmother, Linda Mullins. By cell phone we also had Grandma and Grandpa Avery in Texas, and Aunt Naomi in Virginia. And via Facetime on the iPhone and iPad were Aunt Dawn in Texas, and Aunt Shay and Uncle Eric in Kentucky.

Sister Hannah Avery anxiously waits to open her letter with family and friends

Her letter was sent from the office of the First Presidency, dated April 16, 2013.

"Dear Sister Avery,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Chile Vina del Mar Mission. It is anticipated you will serve for a period of 18 months. You should report to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, August 14, 2013. You will prepare to preach the Gospel in the Spanish language...."

To say we are THRILLED to have this experience a second time within two months is a true understatement! We are so happy for Hannah. Her excitement for her mission and her enthusiasm for the work is contagious. There is no doubt, she will do great things in Chile!