The Final Countdown

Yesterday, Wednesday the 15th, was my 3 week out mark; I have 20 more days until I leave for the Mexico MTC. I feel like I'm ready - I have clothes, the required books, all passwords written down for mom - but at the same time, not. It's a bit of a disorienting feeling.
When I received my mission call in April, I was happy to see that I wasn't reporting until August; that's plenty of time to go shopping! (Bleh =P )And in actuality, it has been nice to have the extra time with friends and family. But, these past couple of months have also been really hard months. Preparing yourself mentally and spiritually for a mission is a difficult task, not in that you have to learn certain things, but rather getting used to the idea of leaving home. I'm going to miss my family a LOT despite the fact that I know that I'm doing what the Lord wants.

I find that for the most part, I'm all good; I'm still the happy-go-lucky girl who's excited to go serve! But, on some days, I'm randomly hit with sadness; I feel like crying and I feel like "I don't want to go". This feeling is just compounded by the feeling/expectation for myself that I should have more faith, that I wouldn't be feeling low if I prayed more or if I was just a bit better. These days are really hard for me because I could be doing just fine, someone asks how I'm doing, and suddenly I'm in tears. I go to my comfort things (playing music, baking, eating) and I'm fine within a couple of minutes.

I wasn't prepared for this aspect of "mission life". In church or from listening to return missionaries, I got the impression that while mission life is hard, that it's AWESOME! Very rarely did anyone talk about how they felt before the mission. I wasn't prepared for the idea that I could possibly not want to go serve after I had received my call.
But, for anyone who is considering going on a mission, or who are moving away for college or work or whatever, I just want you to know that it's okay to feel sad, scared, or even angry. Transitions and changes are part of life but that doesn't mean that they're not hard. It is natural to feel these things! To me, I would take it as a good sign that you have formed meaningful connections and are reluctant to leave them! =D
The months before your mission, or a big move, etc. are going to be difficult emotionally and spiritually and that's okay. Take each day as it comes, hour even (I have to do that often) to help keep yourself from feeling overwhelmed by your feelings. I have found, for myself at least, that I can overcome these feelings by finding a way to serve. Both ancient and modern-day prophets have counseled us to loose ourselves in the service of others:
1) Mosiah 2:17
2) Joshua 24:14-15
3) Psalms 100:2  
4) Mormon.Org - Helping Others

I have found for myself that when I'm struggling, I can turn to my Heavenly Father for comfort and support. He loves me and hears my prayers. When you are having a hard time, you can always turn to Him. Take heart and keep faith, because we can do this.

P.S. These are some of my favorite songs to help me feel better. Enjoy!
How Can It Be - Lauren Daigle
Glorious - David Archuleta
What Heaven Sees In You - Doug Walker

Another Year Gone

Looking back at my blog, I have not posted since June 27th, 2014 which doesn't surprise me. As mentioned before, I struggle to record my life events in any media but as I prepare to make a large change, I thought that I'd start up again.

To quickly overview what I have done since I've last posted, I have: 

1) Attended and completed community college at San Jacinto South Campus

2) Worked at Life Uniform for 1 year (I started July 8th, 2014)

3) Turned in my mission papers and received a call

I started community college with 12 credits to my name, thanks to Dual Credit, and was able to earn all 61 that I needed to receive an Associate's Degree in General Studies. My first semester I took 14 credits to get started. In the fall, I took 4 classes: US History 1, Anatomy and Physiology 1, Lifespan and Development, and Nutrition. I did well that semester and I was halfway done with the credits I needed. Over winter break I took a 3-week mini course for a business computer class that is required for my degree. I entered my last semester with a lot of anticipation and excitement knowing that I was close to finishing. 

In my eagerness, I made a couple of mistakes that have taught me very important lessons. 

1) Don't over-schedule yourself

2) Don't take 2 science courses at the same time UNLESS they are your only classes

3) Learn when enough is enough for you and have the humility to admit it

I was able to pass all of my classes, just not with as much grace and style as I would have preferred. BUT, college is not just about what you learn from the classes but rather important life lessons too. So, with the last semester ending with a BANG, I can official say that I'm a college graduate! =D

While I was in school I also worked to save money for my mission. I started working at a retail store called Life Uniform; I sell scrubs and medical supplies! I love my job and my fellow employees, including my awesome manager. I will be sad to leave them but I'm excited to go serve!

That brings me to my next big news...... I am serving a mission!!!!

In the past I mentioned that I planned to serve but now it's official. I turned in my papers at the beginning/middle of March and on April 7th, there was a thick envelope from Salt Lake City with my name on it! That night (which Caleb graciously shared with me, since it was his birthday), I opened my call in front of friends and family. And, this is what it said (roughly speaking):

I have been called to serve in the Utah Ogden Mission, Spanish speaking. I report to the Mexico MTC (Missionary Training Center) August 5th, 2015. I will serve for 18 months - August 2015 to February 2017 - in north Utah. 

I am soooooooo excited to go! And kinda nervous..... BUT I can work past my nervousness because I know that I have been called of God to serve there. I followed the promptings of the Spirit to get this far and I plan to continue to be obedient. I am so grateful for the opportunity to show the Lord how much I love Him and how grateful I am for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can't wait to serve my fellow brothers and sisters. Everyone deserves the chance to hear Christ's gospel and I am so happy to do my part in spreading the good news!

Because I do leave soon, I wanted to start blogging again so that my friends and family can see how missionaries live their lives through me. I plan to update my blog (or convince my mom to do it for me =) ) as often as possible so that you know what is going on. Right now, the official countdown time is 30 days. I will continue to blog my experience of getting ready for a mission and then about mission life. I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I am! 

P.S. If you have any questions for me regarding missions, the church, and/or just what's gone on in my life, feel free to contact me any time. Or, if you'd like, I will link some of the Church's websites. 

Mormon.org

lds.org