Hey y'all! So this past week we were able to take out a young sister who is preparing to go on a mission. It was really fun for me to get to work with her because just a year ago at this time I was in her same shoes. It was really cool to have that pre-mission excitement come back and she really helped rejuvenate some of those old feelings of mission hype. I got to talk to her a lot about the things that she's excited for and the things she's nervous about. She's much the same way that I was right before I left--can't wait to meet the people she'll serve, can't wait to experience a new culture, and is proud to serve the Lord. But there's also the fears of leaving home and family, being rejected, being brave, learning a new language, getting along with companions, etc. She asked a question that really got me thinking. She asked what do I wish I would have known or how would I have prepared differently to come out here. So, in light of hitting my year mark on the mission this past week, I just felt prompted to give a little message to all those who are about to serve or are preparing to serve a mission. I'm going to answer her question to all of you. I think something every missionary fears when leaving is saying goodbye to friends and family. It's not easy, but I'll tell you how it's possible. The answer you'll hear a lot is to get lost in the work. That's true, but there's a certain way to "get lost", and it's not in knocking 100 doors a day. If you make a new family in the field, your struggles of missing your own family diminish. Make everyone your family--first your companion, the other missionaries you work with, the members of your ward, the investigators you work with, the less-actives you work with, essentially everyone. Treat them as if you've known them your whole life, even upon your first time meeting them. Be yourself, open up your heart, and just love. Something else that a lot of missionaries are afraid of are the logistics of a mission life...the routine schedule, the rules, or being engaged in activities 24/7 that aren't your usual idea of "fun". I'll be honest, at first, it's rough. The hardest for me were things like not having relaxing Sunday afternoons, no movies, or only listening to church music. But I'm going to promise you something. With every time you make the decision to be obedient, you literally become more like your Savior. You will start to recognize noticeable changes within yourself of being someone who is more resistant to temptation, and more filled with love and happiness. You know why? Because you're then entitled to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost. This lifestyle soon becomes so regular to you and you laugh at yourself for the way you used to spend your time once you've realized where your priorities should be. Another fear comes with being "good enough" in terms of teaching, being brave, speaking a foreign language, etc. Well, hate to break it to you, but none of us are good enough. You'll quickly realize you aren't capable of doing this without the help of God. But oh how He gives you help. This is His work that He's in control of, do you really think He won't qualify His workers to accomplish His tasks? You can call down the power of angels to help you, yes they're there, and yes they'll help you. He gives us 2-3 hours every day to study to prepare ourselves. Use these precious study hours to gain the strength, spirit, and knowledge you'll need. You will love your study hours if you study with a purpose. You have the gift of the Holy Ghost with you, and he speaks every language. You are literally just a mouthpiece. If you're worthy, God will be able to do with you whatever He needs. Just know today's best isn't always the same as yesterday's. Agency attitude for comps Angels for help Studies
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November 2015
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