Well, first of all, my world kinda flipped upside down when this announcement was made. I didn't know how to react. I remember saying, "Is he kidding? Is this real life?" And then for weeks, the idea became more of a reality. It seemed too good to be true. Could I really go now? Is a mission what the Lord wanted me to do?
Every time I watch this video, I get the chills. Tears fill my eyes. I am so excited.
Quite honestly, I've always wanted to serve a mission and bring the world His truth. I just didn't know if the timing would be right, or if that was the Lord's plan for me.
I believe in personal revelation. I know that as I turn to Him, He will provide answers to my prayers and give me direction in my life. As I started working on my papers, the decision felt more and more right. (I didn't faint when I had my blood drawn, and that had to be a sign :).)
But, of course I would serve a mission. Why did it take me so long to figure it out? I wanted to be sure. I wanted to do what the Lord wanted me to do. And you know what He told me? If I wanted to go, I should go. And heck yes, I wanted to go. So here I go.
My Stake President asked me "if there was anywhere I wanted to go, where would it be?"
"Wherever the Lord wants me to go," I said.
"Yes, of course. But, you must have a place you dream about going."
"Well...Italy. I would love to go to Italy."
Last Wednesday, I found out my call had been mailed. Probably the longest day of my life. I started crying when I told my mom it might be coming that day. And all day, I kept waiting for a text from my Grammie that it had arrived. My dad texted me every hour, saying "so?" And at 5:00, it arrived, a time for a Google plus hangout was set, and the waiting began.
I have to say, I have watched this video a few times. I'm quite dramatic. But I'm Emma, I freak out and get dramatic :) Please watch, and share in my excitement.
Italy, Milan.
May 1st.
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| We had a huge Google hangout going. So much fun. I wish my family could have been there with me, but it was so fun for all my cousins and my grandparents to share in the moment with me. |
My best friends were there! And seriously, these girls are my best friends. I don't know where I'd be without them.
4 of us are serving missions.
Ellie: Poland, Warsaw
Jasmine: France, Paris
Karina: Argentina, Cordoba.
Watch out world.
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| My cousins from Salt Lake came down. Andrew is serving a mission in Oklahoma right now. Thanks for coming :) It means a lot. |
I couldn't be happier.
I know this will be the hardest thing I will have ever done in my entire life.
But I have a testimony of this gospel. I love my Savior.
Feed my sheep, He said. I will serve those around me by serving a mission. As I study the missions of the apostles after Christ left the Earth, I strive to feed His sheep.
I want to tell the people of Italy that they have a Savior who loves them and who died for them.
I want to tell them that Christ's gospel is restored upon this Earth.
I want to tell them that they can be with their families forever.
I want to share with them my knowledge that The Book of Mormon is the word of God.
I can't wait to share this in Italy.
(Remember how 8 months ago I was blogging all about how I'd be in Italy in a year, and how I was trying to learn Italian?)
May 1st. 96 days left and counting!
