Because I have Been Given Much, I Too Must Give

So when I was 12 years old, I was in young women's listening to a leader talk about when she had decided to go on a mission. She decided when she was 12 that she wanted to serve so I decided I wanted to do that. Is this the right reason to decide to go on  a mission? Probably not but it got me on the right track. When I got older, I was set on playing basketball or softball in college so I didn't think I was going to go on a mission. Then I went to girl's camp and it hit me, I needed to serve a mission.

Now the time is here. I am going to Richmond, Virginia speaking Spanish. Crazy things about getting this call: one of my very best friends is leaving for that mission (English speaking) at the end of this month. Another one of my very best friends attends Southern Virginia University and is not in my mission but will still be like an hour away from me. Crazy right? Heavenly Father is totally aware of me.

I am so excited to serve a mission and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm a little nervous to learn a language in the United States, but I know I can do it. I have Heavenly Father on my side and with Him, I can do anything even learn Spanish. Satan has already been working on me. I haven't doubted my decision or anything but I just was not too confident about my decision. I went to the temple and have been praying for help. Today I fasted, and asked Heavenly Father to help me feel confident in my decision to serve and in my call. At church they announced I got my call so naturally everyone congratulated me which is always nice. I was walking home from church and the song "Because I Have Been Given Much, I Too Must Give" came to my mind. We did not sing this in church, I actually haven't listened to it for a while. I started to hum this song and kind of got emotional. I am thankful no one was walking with me because they probably would have thought I was a crying, humming, lunatic. I was so overwhelmed with gratitude towards my Heavenly Father. He has given me so much. He has blessed me with being born into a family that has the truth. Not many people get that opportunity and for most of my life I have taken that for granted. I am so lucky to have the gospel in my life. I have been blessed with amazing parents, wonderful brothers that somehow managed to get great wives who I now call sisters. I have the cutest nephew and an awesome sister who is also my best friend. I have so many great influences in my life that have helped me get to where I am today. I must give my time and my abilities to the Lord for 18 months. He has given me so much and this is a way for me to give back to Him.

Thank you to everyone that has helped my progress to who I am so that I can serve a mission. I am so excited to go to Richmond, Virginia and preach the gospel.