The Decision

  I decided to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about two years ago. I  knew that waiting for my 21st birthday would be a challenge in itself, but here I am 21, and headed off to the Arizona Mesa Mission! I am so excited to start this journey. Although, Getting here was an ordeal in itself. 

 I have learned so much through this mission experience and I haven't even left cold ol' Idaho yet. I have learned to rely on the spirit {the still small voice} to guide and help me. I have also learned that prayer and faith get me thru every day life and especially the hardest experiences I have had.

I'd like to share a more personal experience that may help others but is the biggest reason I will be serving a mission. About 7 months ago, I was engaged to be married. I was excited to get married and was looking forward to being both a wife and mom. I was set on going on a mission but didn't know what decision would be best. Every day going on a mission was in the back of my mind, especially since I knew I wouldn't be the kind of wife and mom my husband and kids deserve without going. 

About a month into my engagement I was at a baptism. I was sitting next to my dad and he looked over to me and said, "Lex, you're going to go on a mission." I rolled my eyes, glanced over to him, and pointed to the ring on my finger and disagreed. Deep down though I was full of confusion and uncertainty about my future. Ironically, there were three beautiful sister missionaries that were conducting the baptism for my sweet cousin. As the sister's spoke, I began to feel the spirit. The more I tried to ignore it, the more I felt the overwhelming power of the Spirit touch my heart. When the sisters were done speaking they all sang a song together. I immediately began to start to cry. Not out of sadness of course, I just knew that moment that I had to go on a mission. I wasn't exactly in a place to just go on a mission since I was currently planning a wedding but knew I couldn't ignore the prompting. I went home and knew I had to pray. I've never prayed so hard and sincerely in my life. I didn't know what to do. As soon as I opened my heart and mind the answer was clear as crystal. 
                       "Give the ring back  and everything with work out." 

The next day, I gave the ring back, not knowing if it would still work out, or if I was going to be able to go on a mission. I knew that I had to listen to the spirit and act on that prompting. The was by far the most difficult decision i've ever made. I know that the Lord knows exactly how each of us feel though and is completely aware of our lives, decisions, desires, and questions. My engagement didn't end up working out, because it wasn't right for either of us. Heavenly Father has a plan for me and I know that without a doubt and a mission is part of that plan. 

I started my mission papers in July. Exactly 120 days before my 21st birthday. Obviously, they decided to change the age limit a few months later. It took me until Halloween to finish my papers, and then I waited 6 1/2 weeks for my mission call. THE LONGEST 61/2 WEEKS OF MY LIFE. I got it the day after Thanksgiving after finding out it was delivered to my neighbor's mailbox instead of mine. {the Lord really wants me to learn Patience}

To my relief I was called to the Arizona Mesa Mission :) Relieved mostly because I was so scared that I was going to be called somewhere cold. I feel so blessed and my call was  another testament of the Lord being 100% aware of me. I am leaving in just 51 short days, on March 13th, 2013. I will be heading to the MTC to learn spanish and improve my testimony and my ability to preach the gospel. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to go to the people of Arizona and share my testimony with them and share the happiness I feel living this true gospel. 

Life has a lot of storms but with the Lord's help we can get thru any storm or hurricane that may get in our way with patience and faith in the Lord, our Redeemer and Savior.