{My Decision To Serve}

My decision to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints came as a bit of a shock to me... and I think everyone else too! However, I am sooo glad I am doing it. What a crazy couple of months it has been since I made the decision to serve, completed my mission papers, and received my mission call. To say the least, it has been quite the roller coaster of emotions... So extremely excited I could scream, a little nervous, and super anxious! 

...

Benefits of my dad being the bishop?
I got to watch the whole process!

Pardon His Jesus Jammies...
But This is my Pops/Bishop sending my papers to the
Stake President for the final "OK".. AAHH!

Where is it Gonna Be?!

...

Well, my call arrived on April 3, 2013. Happy Birthday to Me!

 The hard part? I am living 350 miles away from home going to school.

I thought it was an emotional roller coaster before... HOLY CRAP. I am really doing this!

 My fate for the next 18 months was just sitting there, staring my family straight in the face.

To my knowledge, the call WAS NOT steamed open, frozen or any other clever way

 people have come up with to sneak a quick peak. But who knows.

Anyway, I RUSHED home two days later for the long awaited {OPENING}

$1.92 postage?? Hmmm....

The moment had finally arrived!

.... (drum roll?) ...

Dear Sister Gray, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
You are assigned to labor in the {Costa Rica San Jose Mission} AAAHHH!!
I report to the Provo MTC June 26, 2013 and will prepare to teach the gospel in the {SPANISH} language

Huge thanks to my family and friends who were there to support me! 

This was one of my favorite Young Women leaders.
She had such a huge impact on my life and  I definitely wouldn't be where I am today without her.
Also, funny story? She nick-named me "Costa Rica" years ago and has called me nothing else since!
Who knows, maybe she was inspired.

My best friends who couldn't make it to the opening!

I feel so extremely blessed to have the opportunity to serve the people of Costa Rica. It is amazing to know that in just a few short months I will be sharing the gospel with these people in a different country and language! I don't know how I will do it... but I know that with a strong faith in the Lord, lots and lots and LOTS of prayer, and a strong testimony of this gospel, it will all work out perfectly.

Stay Excellent!