Day Fifteen - My Mission

Yesterday, while cleaning out my spare room, I found the box with all my mission stuff in it. I spent a very long time going through all of it, and, before going to bed last night, I read through my journal.

I absolutely loved my mission! I served with great companions and fantastic elders. We worked hard and, when appropriate, played hard as well. It was so long ago that we didn't have email, most of the places I lived in didn't even have telephones, and I think I saw one home with a computer in it my whole mission.

I survived all sorts of crazy insect invasions as well as some strange allergies and parasites. I knocked (or yelled at) a billion doors, taught hundreds of discussions, fell off my bike, got mugged - twice, learned Spanish, and watched several people enter into the waters of baptism. All of those things were an important part of me growing up.

But, more importantly, during that time I realized that we never walk alone. I developed a significant testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ and gained a love for Him that, to that point, I hadn't imagined possible. I saw prayers answered, both my own as well as the prayers of others. I experienced the cleansing power of the Atonement as I sought forgiveness. I gained the love and understanding of the scriptures that Seminary prepared me for.

I grew up. I realized that I was capable of so much more than I ever thought I was. My mission was indeed preparation for other events that would take place later in my life.

I am so thankful that I got to be a missionary!