Happiest Day

October 2012 was a big month for me.  I was one of the lucky few sitting in the conference center when President Thomas S. Monson announced worthy young men could now serve a mission at the age of 18 and women at the age of 19.  I was sitting next to one of my best friends who was preparing to serve a mission in Thailand the next month. I remember us both holding our breath for a moment and staring at each other in disbelief. I was completely tongue tied. I remember finally spilling out with happiness and letting a giggle escape me.  There was a moment, a moment when President Monson said "Effective Immediately". That moment changed my life.  The spirit consumed the conference center and left me with so many question to ask myself.  Although I loved this news and all the possibility it brought, I still did not think a mission was for me.  I had too many dreams I wanted to pursue and adventures I had left to experience.

A month passed and the idea of a mission never left my thoughts. I found my mind swimming through everything a mission meant, all the time.  I was confused. I didn't know what to do or where I should be. Finally it dawned on me how could I, who has been given so much, am blessed with the knowledge of the true church and has the opportunity to share it, NOT go find my brothers and sisters that need the gospel.  How selfish would I be to not put my dreams aside for 18 months so I can share this true message to those feeling lost, alone and hopeless.

This was one of the happiest days of my life.

I LOVE this Gospel, I KNOW it is true and I MUST share it.  I can't wait to find my brothers and sisters in Nicaragua that have been waiting for me.  I can't wait to tell them everything will be okay and give them hope and peace.  Everyday I am terrified, but the Lord strengthens me.  He helps me remember this day, the day I opened my call, and the feeling of my heart growing five sizes to fit the people of Nicaragua in it.  He reminds me this is the most important work in all the world and how blessed I am to be a part of it.