Excited to Serve!
While in high school I had the opportunity of going with Latter Day Tours on the Teenage Church History Tour. It had a deep effect on me and it really got me thinking about going on a mission. I was excited in October 2012 when President Monson announced that young women would be able to begin serving missions at age 19 instead of age 21.
After submitting my papers I received my mission call on June 19 2014, two weeks before turning 19. My immediate family members are my biggest supporters - so I wanted it to be just them with me as I opened my call. It was very exciting and I was so happy to learn I would be serving in the England Birmingham Mission! |
After receiving my mission call I had four months to prepare before leaving for the missionfield. One thing I wanted to do as soon as possible was receive my temple endowments. My Young Women leaders had instilled in me a great desire to "Stand in Holy Places". I knew I wanted to get to the temple before it closed for maintenance the end of July.
I received my endowments the night of July 12, 2014 in the Las Vegas temple. It was a great experience for me. I loved having so many extended family and friends there to support me. I returned to the temple as often as I could before leaving on my mission.
There's a Missionary Training Center right in England! It's located in a town called Chorley, about an hour and a half north of my mission's headquarters in Birmingham.
On October 22, 2014 my family and I said our goodbyes at home, and my Dad drove me to the airport. Then I realized I had totally forgotten my overcoat, so Mom brought it to me at the airport. I had to say goodbye to her all over again!
I went straight from Las Vegas to the England Missionary Training Centre. When I got there it was October 23rd - the first day of my mission!
Left: Leaving McCarran Airport. I'm finally on my way!
One final post to Facebook . . .
"Tomorrow I fly out for England!! I am so excited to serve the Lord and the English people. I know The Church is true, I love the gospel and all the blessings it brings into my life. I know Heavenly father loves each and everyone so much. I will miss everyone!! Feel free to email me (my email is in my profile) I'd love to hear from you. Love you all lots!! See ya in 18 months!!!" |