At a young age, I chose to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I always dreamed of serving in the most magical place on earth, but that changed to serving in Colorado. I had many great role models in my life. I followed through with that desire. And now I have returned home from this journey always reflecting on what I have experienced and learned.
Missions are not easy! But they are worth it! Those days when its 89 degrees outside, and it seems that no one is opening their door or home, you've got to press forward! How did I do it? Well it was not easy. There were days I was so done with my companion, tired and hangry, and didn't have the spirit. I had to really see past myself. This work is not about me (but it is). It is about sharing your love of Jesus Christ with others and how He needs to be at the center of your life. It is about loving someone for you they are no matter their struggles. Remember you are not perfect either. It is about praying and fasting for those you meet that they will overcome and have a softened heart. Those are one of the most sincere prayers I ever gave. It is about sharing with others that their families can be together forever. And you seeing them get to the temple.
Two of the biggest lessons I learned on my mission was that repentance needs to be a daily action and your heart can be filled with so much love for others. Repentance is so vital to me, but should be for everyone else. Heavenly Father literally sacrificed His Only Begotten Son so we would be able to return to our Heavenly Father. I have understood a lot about repentance as I have understood my identity. Where will I return to after this life? How can I live up to a great potential? Knowing that I am a child of God helps me to understand that Heavenly Father isn't going to give up on His child, no matter what. But we have to be willing to receive His love and help. In Matthew 14:25-33 the account is of Jesus walking to his disciples on the water. Peter has the faith to walk out to His Savior. Peter is focused on getting to the Savior, but he then noticed the waves so he lost focus on his friend. As he was sinking, he cried out saying "Lord, save me." The Lord reached out for Peter and replied "O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?" The Lord is always reaching out to us, but are we willing to take His hand. I can testify that it is worth using the gift of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We need to utilize it every day.
As I mentioned the second thing was the love that I filled my heart. I had no idea that I could love people I had never met. Being homeschooled, I didn't associate myself with a lot of people. I wouldn't go out of my way to reach out to someone, but I believe all of us are guilty of that. But that was the old me! I was able to "comfort those that needed comfort, and bear one another's burdens." These brothers and sisters of mine would open their hearts to me and share trials and happy moments with me. I am truly grateful they trusted me with those experiences. A song that I came to love on my mission was "Each Life That Touches Ours For Good". "When such a friend from us departs, we hold forever in our hearts. A sweet and hallowed memory, bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee." I know I touched many people lives, but they in return have brought forth friendships I will cherish forever. Honestly with some people that I worked closely with, I knew I had known them before this life. We were able to pick up and connect like we have been lifetime friends.
My testimony is that missions are fun! As you are being obedient, you love the people, and your attitude is right, YOUR MISSION WILL BE FUN! These past 18 months have been the most important months of my life. I was able to bear the name of my Savior Jesus Christ every single day. And it continues with me after the mission. This is a lifelong commitment! This desire to follow Jesus Christ shapes how I live my life. And I chose to have it centered on Jesus Christ because of His ministry.
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