I Hope They Call Me on a Mission

Hello! 

Okay, Okay, so I'm not a full-time sister missionary yet, but I sure am excited! I thought I'd share the story of how I decided to go on a mission. Let's flash back to October 6, 2012 (I can't believe it's already January!) to the first session of general conference. President Monson announced:

       "I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19. I am not suggesting that all young men will—or should—serve at this earlier age. Rather, based on individual circumstances as well as upon a determination by priesthood leaders, this option is now available.

As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21." 

     About at that point, I started crying. That was really weird. Sure I was excited, but I shouldn't be crying because this announcement didn't affect me. I had never planned to serve a mission. Not only was I not sure, I had actually planned on not going. 
     I am in the middle of college and I am absolutely in love with my major, Elementary Education. I volunteer at a kindergarten each week, and boy, do I love it! I cannot wait to have my own classroom and my own little kiddos to teach and inspire. That was pretty much taking up my whole radar. 
     So naturally, I was very confused by this crying thing that was happening. Long story short, I got an overwhelming prompting that I should go on a mission. I was still a little unsure the next day. I thought, how could I possibly put off everything I want to do for 18 months? Then President Eyring gave his talk: Where is the Pavilion?

"The Lord’s delays often seem long; some last a lifetime. But they are always calculated to bless. They need never be times of loneliness or sorrow or impatience.

Although His time is not always our time, we can be sure that the Lord keeps His promises."

     I got the picture pretty quickly after that and, more importantly, I felt peace in the decision. So here I am now, ready and willing to serve the Lord wherever and whenever He may need me. I am excited to dedicate a year and a half of my life completely to the work of God. I will be blessed to have the opportunity to grow closer to my Father and to His Son, my Savior. I cannot wait to spread the everlasting joy and peace this Gospel has given me. I am so glad I have chosen the Lord's path for me and I know it will bring me more happiness than I could attain any other way.

I hope they call me on a mission.

Love,
Syd