Wow, how time has flown by! A little over 3 months ago, I opened my mission call and was humbled as I read that I would be serving in the California Santa Rosa Mission, preaching the gospel in the Spanish language. I put my date of availability as January 8th, and when I read that I would be entering the MTC in May, I was surprised and a little disappointed that I had to wait so long. However, the Lord knew that I needed these four months to prepare, and I am so grateful that He called me when He did! Looking back, these months have been such a blessing. I have been able to reevaluate my testimony. I have become closer to God and have been able to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I have met people who have influenced me and my perception of life for the better. I feel I have become better. I have been able to study the Book of Mormon in quiet moments, and have pondered the things I need to improve on. I was able to prepare for and go through the Temple with my family. There have been so many blessings in the past 3 months. I am SO glad I enter the Missionary Training Center on May 15th instead of in January!!
In fact, I am kind of freaking out that I leave so soon! 31 days!!! I feel so unprepared and so inadequate, yet I am so excited! I want time to go slower, but I can't wait to be a missionary. The comforting thing is the fact that the Lord knows I am weak and He wants to make me stronger. In the Book of Mormon, the Lord tells a man named Moroni, "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." (Ether 12:27). I can't wait to become more like Jesus Christ as I serve Him and try to be the best ambassador and representative of Him that I can be. I was thinking the other day - It's kind of amazing that He trusts 18-24 year olds to be representatives of Him. When I think of being a missionary like that, I am so amazed and it makes me want to prepare the very best that I can. Missionaries are supposed to act like Jesus Christ would if He was on this earth right now. And if He was on this earth right now, He would give service and teach the Truth to all of His brothers and sisters because He loves us so much! He wants us to have joy, and that's why He calls and sends missionaries. Not only as a way to teach those who are looking for true joy and the peace that the gospel brings, but in the meantime, to teach, humble, refine, and bless the young people serving as missionaries! I think that is pretty awesome.
I don't know who will be reading this blog post, but I just wanted to take a moment to share my testimony - a few things that I absolutely know. If you want to know these things too, talk with a friend who is "mormon", or meet with the missionaries! Although they are not perfect, they can help you find the truth and the true joy that your life may be missing.
Here are some of the things that I know. I know that God is real. I know that He hears my prayers and that He loves me because He is literally my Heavenly Father, and I am his precious daughter. He wants what is best for me and loves to bless me. I know that He guides us in our lives as we turn to Him in prayer. When I am sincere and humble, He gives me the peace and direction I need to continue to grow. He doesn't always give me the easiest path, but He leads me on the best path for my growth. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true!! Like I keep saying, it is a place for imperfect people, which includes all of us. But the truths taught are perfect and eternal because God has revealed them to His prophets in this time. We know we as humans aren't perfect, but because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins and died for us, we can live again after this life. Death isn't the end. And, if we sincerely repent and continually turn back to Him, we can be forgiven of all of our sins! We can live with our loving Heavenly Father and be with our families after we die! It's truly incredible.
Today I also thought about what a miracle it is that I get to be a missionary at this time in my life. I don't always remember that, but I need to, because it is such an amazing blessing. A year ago, I never would have guessed that I would be preparing to enter the MTC in 31 days. Wow. I'm grateful for all the support I have from friends and family too. I can't tell you how much your sincere support means. I hope you'll check up on this blog every once in awhile to see what I'm up to in the MTC and in California. I betchya I'll have some awesome stories to tell soon. I would love to hear from you so please send me a letter if you have time! Again, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true! I am so excited to be serving God for 18 months and I am so excited to come closer to Him as I try to help His other children come closer to Him too.
Let the countdown begin! :)
Love,
(Almost) Sister/Hermana Vance
I don't know who will be reading this blog post, but I just wanted to take a moment to share my testimony - a few things that I absolutely know. If you want to know these things too, talk with a friend who is "mormon", or meet with the missionaries! Although they are not perfect, they can help you find the truth and the true joy that your life may be missing.
Here are some of the things that I know. I know that God is real. I know that He hears my prayers and that He loves me because He is literally my Heavenly Father, and I am his precious daughter. He wants what is best for me and loves to bless me. I know that He guides us in our lives as we turn to Him in prayer. When I am sincere and humble, He gives me the peace and direction I need to continue to grow. He doesn't always give me the easiest path, but He leads me on the best path for my growth. I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true!! Like I keep saying, it is a place for imperfect people, which includes all of us. But the truths taught are perfect and eternal because God has revealed them to His prophets in this time. We know we as humans aren't perfect, but because Jesus Christ atoned for our sins and died for us, we can live again after this life. Death isn't the end. And, if we sincerely repent and continually turn back to Him, we can be forgiven of all of our sins! We can live with our loving Heavenly Father and be with our families after we die! It's truly incredible.
Today I also thought about what a miracle it is that I get to be a missionary at this time in my life. I don't always remember that, but I need to, because it is such an amazing blessing. A year ago, I never would have guessed that I would be preparing to enter the MTC in 31 days. Wow. I'm grateful for all the support I have from friends and family too. I can't tell you how much your sincere support means. I hope you'll check up on this blog every once in awhile to see what I'm up to in the MTC and in California. I betchya I'll have some awesome stories to tell soon. I would love to hear from you so please send me a letter if you have time! Again, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true! I am so excited to be serving God for 18 months and I am so excited to come closer to Him as I try to help His other children come closer to Him too.
Let the countdown begin! :)
Love,
(Almost) Sister/Hermana Vance
