Moments of Impact

So, I'm stealing this idea from the great movie, The Vow. They talk about moments of impact. Moments that change your life forever. This was definitely one of them.
It had been a long week at school. My anatomy class was killing me! With the holidays approaching, and dreams of turkey and mashed potatoes, all that seemed to be occupying my thoughts was my mission call, which was now submitted. My Dad, who is also my Bishop, had helped me get my papers in in a timely manner, (having your Dad as your Bishop does have its perks!). He had been following the process online, and called me a couple days before to tell me that my call was on its way. This meant, that it would be arriving on Thursday. My anxiety shot through the roof and schoolwork became so trivial. How could I memorizing where the extensor pollicus longus muscle was, when I was going to find out where I would be sharing the gospel in two days?! I was supposed to be studying for my Muscles practical exam, but I just couldn't seem to focus. When I came to the realization that I was most likely going to fail the exam, I decided that I just wouldn't take it at all! (Don't worry, our teacher let us drop one test at the end of the semester). I figured that this would be the best one to drop, and it allowed me to come home earlier than expected! I made plans to come home on Thursday and made it through three hours of Anatomy and Statistics lecture. The car ride there was agonizing! I was hours away from knowing where I would be going and I was confined to a space that felt much more like a small cardboard box than a 2004 Dodge Neon. For the five hours, I daydreamed of the many places I could go. In my heart, I knew I would go to South America. I had always dreamed of coming home and speaking Spanish with my Dad who served in Peru. I even had a dream that I was going to his exact mission. I honestly believed that I would be sent somewhere in South America.
Finally, the dreaded car ride was over, and I arrived home. That white envelope laid on the kitchen table, and I swear it was glowing... It took all the self control I had not to open it right then and there. It was only 5:00, and we were expecting friends and family to come at 7:00 to watch me open it. I did everything I could to keep busy, except eating; I was too sick for that. I've sung in front of countless audiences, but nothing compared to the nerves I experienced that night. Around 7:00, my guests began to arrive. There was my brother and sister-in-law, the Cottle family, The Hansen Family, The Johnson Family and then a number of relatives and friends on face-time and phone calls. My shaky fingers struggled to open the packet (I've never been good at opening letters).  I read the first couple lines, and I have never experienced so many emotions in such a short amount of time before. I was overwhelmed with shock, happiness, excitement, fear, wonder, and more shock. Birmingham, England!!!
I know that this is where I am supposed to be. I get the best of both worlds! Foreign and I don't have to learn a language :) I feel so incredibly blessed. I can't wait to serve the wonderful people of England in February.

An Answer to my Prayers

One of my favorite weekends was ahead of me.  Conference weekend! I love the thought of everyone gathered around the television, listening to the words of our dear prophets and apostles.  Amid the craziness of school, I was beyond excited to take a short weekend trip to Utah, to enjoy the weekend with friends and family. I got as much homework as I could out of the way and made the 4-hour car ride to Utah from Rexburg. I arrived and was greeted by my best friend, Mr. Spencer Orgill. His family (of whom I adore), had invited me to crash in their basement for the weekend. If I couldn't be with my own family, there was no better place to be than with the Orgill's for conference weekend. 
For months now, I had been struggling with a decision that was creeping up, quickly, in my future. My dilemma was this: About a year and a half ago, I had said goodbye to "my missionary," Will, as he was to serve a missions in Virginia. I did everything that a faithful girl should do- I bought the tape recorder, emailed weekly, wrote letters weekly, and sent the occasional pictures and packages. Two years isn't a long time, right? Wrong. Two years is a very long time! And then, again, it really isn't. Anyways, about 8 months into the journey, I met a boy (Spencer) who changed my life! We dated exclusively and even talked of a future together. But it just didn't feel like the right timing, and in the back of my head, I still longed for the return of Will. My mind wandered to the possibility of what would happen when he got home. Even with much prayer and fasting, I did not receive an answer from the Lord, except to be patient. So, I was. I knew that if I put my trust in the Lord, he would make the decision known to me in his own timing. And General Conference always has a way of opening up my mind to the promptings of the spirit. So, as you can imagine, I was anxious to hear the words of the Prophet that morning. I woke up early and helped Sister Orgill make the traditional crepes with fruit and whipped cream. With as large a family as theirs, we continued slicing fruit and dropping batter onto the sizzling grill while Conference began in the background. I am guilty to admit that I wasn't as attentive as I should have been, listening to the opening address where they usually announce the growing number of members and new temples. I missed a bit of the first announcement that changed the age of Elders to 18. But it was obvious that as that announcement was made, there was more to follow. I put down my paring knife (it's a miracle I didn't cut my finger), and gathered closely to the television. "As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21." Immediately as the words were uttered from President Thomas S. Monson, tears streamed down my face, and it felt as if my heart was about to jump right out of my body. This was my answer! In that moment, I was so sure of it. This was what was holding me back. Text messages from family members and friends came rushing to my phone. Are you going to go? You were the first we thought of when we heard. You would be the best missionary! Papers in in two weeks? I knew this was a huge decision to make, but for someone who, at age 2, had every word of "I Hope they Call me on A Mission" memorized, and who knows that this Gospel is indeed the best news on earth, I could not deny this incredible opportunity to share it with God's children. The work of the Lord is moving forward, and I am privileged to be marching in the front lines of His royal army. The spirit of that message given on October 3rd, 2012 has invaded individuals, families, wards, stakes, and even Facebook newsfeeds everywhere! It has invaded my body, my spirit, and my heart. I am so grateful for modern revelation and for a Father in Heaven who loves me so dearly and completely, that trusts me, his weak and imperfect servant, to share this great news to his children.