691 Days

Last October something happened that changed life as I knew it. President Monson announced the new mission ages for youth in the church. Since then, I have been able to watch so many of my friends and classmates who have already graduated accept the call, turn in their papers, and embark on an incredible journey devoting 18-24 months of their life to the Savior. It has been so incredible! I witness these people prepare so diligently and work so hard to become ready. I've seen attitudes as well as lives change. I've witnessed so many miracles. I've said goodbyes to many. One of my very greatest friends left for San Diego, California today. When I left his house yesterday after seeing him for the last time, I felt the biggest sense of pride and love for my wonderful friends. I know some truly phenomenal people. I have watched their whole beings change as they turn their lives toward our beloved Savior. I am now part of a senior class with many just months away from leaving themselves. The diligence in their preparation is so inspiring. Two of my favorite people, Logan and Michael, put in their papers already. Michael last week and Logan today. My two best friends are working so hard to be the best they can be for the Lord, and you can see it. It is amazing to me how He changes them into magnificent missionaries, capable of spreading out all over the globe to spread the gospel and to spread JOY. How blessed am I to be a part of this change? To be living in lovely Bountiful, Utah, around all these fantastic people who influence me for the better ever day? They are the most incredible examples to me. My friends, with Christ, are going to CHANGE THE WORLD.

I don't go to Olympus High School or know any of these people, but this video made me cry. These are the kind of youth I get to interact with daily. An army of good, and an army of the Lord. 

I have been thinking about a mission a lot since October. I already had such a strong desire to go, but as I am very young and young women couldn't go until age 21, I would have been one semester away from receiving my Bachelor's Degree. I didn't know how well that would work out. So basically, I wanted to, but didn't know if it would happen. That announcement in October changed my life. The feeling I got as soon as my beloved prophet said that, it was incredible. Then, a mission became a reality. It was two years away.... was I really going to do this? If so, I had so much to do. I asked often for direction if it was right for me. It still is a ways away, but I needed to know. And now I do. I WILL SERVE A MISSION. A mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My desire to go is so strong. I want to go so badly. If I could, I would honestly go tomorrow. Obviously I have a ton of preparation to do so it's probably a good thing I can't haha, but man oh man. I want to get out there so badly. The gospel has brought my life immense joy and incredible purpose. I cannot put into words the love I have for my Savior. I know without any doubt in me that this church is true. Yes, there is so much I don't understand about it. But what I do understand is enough. I KNOW it is true and that this is exactly where I need to be. I just want to shout it out to everyone I meet. Honestly! I wish I could just stand on a mountain with a super powerful megaphone and tell everyone how amazing it is and how perfect and pure it is. I cannot wait to serve a mission. I cannot wait. I love the Lord and I am so excited to devote 18 hard, trying, but beautiful months of my life to Him and his work. I turn nineteen in 691 days. 691 to prepare. The countdown begins. :) 

I'm a Mormon. I KNOW it. I LIVE it. I LOVE it.