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.