Well, the time has finally come! It's my last weekend home before I enter the MTC and emotions are running hiiiigh. As anxious as I am to get out into the field, my heart breaks a little thinking about leaving home. But, it will all be worth it... I know.
I never thought 80 days would go by so fast.. But it definitely did.
Finishing up my freshman year of college, a job, and moving back home was crazy enough. Mission prep on top? heeeectic. But so great! I have loved every second of it.
The support I have received from family, friends, and even strangers has been incredible. Words cannot describe how grateful I am to all those who have helped me get here. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.
I'd always heard that once you got your mission call, Satan would work the hardest he ever had to keep you from going on your mission. I can't say I really understood or believed that when I began this whole process... I can tell you now that I know with every fiber of my being - he does.
There has been fear. There have been doubts. There have been people with very loud opinions about me serving a mission. There have been more trials and speed bumps than I can even remember. I didn't know it was even possible to experience so many emotions in such a small amount of time.
I definitely had to take a step back and remind myself what I was doing and why I was doing it. My dad encouraged me to read a talk given by Jeffrey R. Hollad - of course, it's amazing - and after reading it, I can honestly say that I had never felt more confident in my decision to serve. I'm freakin' ready! I strongly encourage anyone and everyone to read this talk.. "Cast Not Away Therefore Your Confidence" .. It's perfect.
So after that was out of the way, the mission prep could really begin. I made a point to make it to the temple as often as I could. WHAT A BLESSING. It's the best escape from literally... everything.
* * Questions & Thoughts that run through my head... Typically everyday * *
Is this emotional roller coaster a sister missionary thing? Probs. No Diet Coke? What have I gotten myself into? Am I really doing this? Can I do this? Do I have to wear THOSE shoes? That skirt looks like a potato sack. You mean no Twitter, Facebook, Instagram? HOW WILL MY FRIENDS KNOW WHAT I'M EATING FOR DINNER IN COSTA RICA IF I CAN'T POST IT ON INSTAGRAM ... { heeee } ... 140 pounds of luggage for 18 months? thaaaat's funny. Do you honestly know enough about the gospel to teach other people? What's the first Article of Faith again..? What if I get a rude companion? What would happen if I punched her? Could I get sent home for that? That's a little dramatic... Will "so and so" forget about me?
. . . . . . .
This is when I wish someone would just punch me. SERIOUSLY? Not necessary. It usually just ends in an anxiety attack and then I remind myself of all the wonderful blessing I am going to receive from doing this and how excited I really am.
On a finishing note, I just want everyone to know that I have such a strong testimony of this gospel. I know with every fiber of my being that it is true. I know that I have been called to serve this mission by a true prophet of God. I will be completely honest in telling you that I am scared to death. I would definitely be lying if I said I wasn't. But I know that the Lord will be with me every step of the way. He doesn't ask us to be perfect, he just asks us to do our best. He covers the rest. I am sooo grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to what the next 18 months have in store.
Also, this video covers the last 3 months of my life in 5 minutes. Watch and enjoy!
Adios everyone! Stay Excellent.
xoxo Sister Gray
