Its been six months ago that I decied the lord wanted to me to serve a mission!! I will never forget that expierence nor will I ever forget the six months that have followed after making my decision. It has been a time of trials and many ups and downs, but I am so greatful for each doubt and trial because they have made me into who I am today.I have always heard that satan works on those who serve missions and that I do know without a doubt. I have had many thoughts cross my head such as you dont know enough or you cant leave your family for that long and even the thought what about school you have to postpone that...the thoughts of doubt go on and on. But if there is one thing that I have taken from all those thoughts it would be the power of prayer.Everytime those thoughts came into my mind and try to get me down and though at times they did I knew that once I got on my knees and prayed my heavenly father would once again give me that reassurance that I was doing the right thing. I wont ever forget the feeling that I had when my bishop handed me my mission papers and said come see me when you are done. The spirit again testified to me that was doing what the lord wanted me to do.After a month and a half my papers were complete and I just had my interviews left. I wont ever forget the feelings that I felt after my interview with my amazing stake president I came out of his office on cloud 29! I wont ever forget how happy I was when he told me 2 weeks I should have my call....excitment over came me and these 2 weeks will probably be the longest 2 weeks ever!! But everyday I wake up tellin myself Im another day closer!! I am so excited to serve at the same time as my little borther and I know that he is just excited as I am to be going....we always joke about going to the same mission and how fun but yet horrible it would be ha I just love that boy he is one of my best friends I am excited to share this awesome expierence with him...He always jokes about being in the MTC together and giving my a hug and imagining everyone freaking out!!! Only him!! I just love this gospel with all my heart everyday I am so greatful for it and the happiness and knowlegde I have because of it....When I face a difficult time I often think how if it wasnt for the gospel I dont think I would make it through..I love my family they are the greatest examples to me I am so blessed to have been raised in the church.I am greatful to know that I have my family forever and ever and not just tell "death do you part" That is my least favorite phrase and it just brings me down I love that "families are forever" in the gospel!! I love the temple with all my heart I have grown so much by attending every week.The spirit there is incredible..I cant wait to go through the temple.. I know the atonement is real and my savior died for not only me but everyone and through the atonement we can return to live with our father in heaven. I know that the atonement is not only for my sin but for my struggles emotionally physically and mentally. I know that my savior has felt everything that I have felt and when I call upon him he is there for me..I know the book of mormon is true the spirit has testified this to me...I have recieved so many answers from it and am greatful for the prophet joseph smith and his willingness to endure the persecution so that I can have the book of mormon!! I know the church of jesus christ of latter day saints is true i know the gospel is what makes me happy I cant wait to devote 18 months to sharing the gospel...I leave my testimony with you in the name of jesus christ amen.
