I Hope They Call Me On a Mission

Family and friends who have known me my whole life know that I have always talked about serving a mission. My mom says she can't even remember when I started expressing my desire to go, she just says that I always have. I remember singing "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission" in primary and loving that song. I have finally grown a foot or two, so I figure it must be time. I met with my stake president tonight, and my mission papers are in! I am so excited! I get to spend 18 months teaching and preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ!

Just in the past year my testimony has grown immensely of Christ, our Savior, and his atoning sacrifice he made for us. I have been able to more fully understand the Atonement, and use it in my life. I can't wait to share the peace and joy that comes the knowledge of our Savior with others as a full-time job. I will get to teach about the prophet, Joseph Smith and his role in restoring the Church of Jesus Christ on the earth and also about the Book of Mormon and the teachings it holds for us in these latter days.

I truly know that Jesus Christ is my Savior. That he died to satisfy the law of justice that I might be able to repent and be forgiven of my sins and found worthy to receive the blessings of the Gospel and return to live with my Heavenly Father. I have experienced the power of the Atonement in my life and can testify of the overwhelming peace and joy that come when we apply the Atonement in our lives. I know that Christ lives. I know that I have a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan for each of His children. I know that he has sent prophets to his people in the past, and has provided us with prophets in these latter days to receive revelation for His people to lead and to guide them. I testify of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, that it is a second testament of Jesus Christ and is the word of God. My testimony goes on, but I am indeed grateful for the knowledge that I have of my Savior, Heavenly Father, and the Gospel. I am grateful for those in my life who have taught me and influenced me to be better disciple of Christ. I am grateful for all my family, leaders, and friends who have gotten me to this point in my life. I am inexpressibly excited to be a full-time missionary for The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints.

.... Now, any guesses as to where I'll be called to serve?

Homesick?

Homesick... No, I don't think so. Summertime blues? I think that's what I would call it. Not that this summer has been a bummer, but... it has. Sort of. I miss living with Christie, we used to do random things on random week nights or afternoons. Things that made it feel like summer. Christie wasn't just my roommate, she is my best friend. If we were bored, we did something. Sometimes, or most of the time, that "something" was going to the massive mall down the street and window shopping or going to the gym to take a yoga and spin class. Then on the weekends we would have adventures with Kenna. Dancing, meeting new people, eating In-N-Out or Super Burrito. We had fun. Also, we were funny, or at least WE thought we were funny. My point is, I was hardly ever bored. I never just sat at home, I never blogged about anything I did either. I had something better to do.

Don't get me wrong... I LOVE Texas, and my decision to move here (a year ago now, wow) was the best decision I made, I wouldn't take it back if I had the chance. It's just different here in the summer. It's a real college town, so some of my friends went home for the summer or are taking summer classes that take up all their time. I have had so much free time. I had no time or desire to watch TV last summer in Az, but in the past month I have had time to watch nearly SIX season of Grey's Anatomy along with going to the gym, institute, work, and keeping up with my church callings and studies. So, in conclusion: I don't miss Arizona, I miss my best friends, Kenna & Christie.

Now a break from my "Poor, poor, pitiful me" complaining and a quick update: I'm going to Massachusetts in August with the Warrens and am going to stay with them there for the Fall semester. I'm excited to get out of the heat and humidity. I'm especially excited for the chance to explore Boston, Rhode Island, and take a short road trip to NYC. Oh, I'll also get to see the leaves change, too! I'm pretty excited! Other than the week I spent there in June with the Warrens, I haven't spent any time in the East. So here is to new experiences!