Before I talk about opening my call I want to tell why I made the decision to go on a mission. From what I've heard, in past conversations, a lot of girls that are LDS have dreamed about going on a mission WAY before the ripe old age of 21. It's always been their desire and an important step they're willing to take. As for me, the thought of serving a mission had always been at the very back of my mind...like a book, (Going to Serve a Mission, eh?) that sits on a shelf and gathers thick dust and cobwebs (don't forget the freaky spider). After a while, I come strolling along, pick up the book, blow the dust off, consider it then put it back on the shelf and the cycle repeats itself again. So, serving a mission has never really been at the top of my list...even after I've watched six of my siblings serve their missions.
I started seriously considering to serve a mission when I was 20 and decided during my fall semester at school to take an Institute class called, "Mission Prep." The class was awesome! The things that our teacher taught us and the experiences he shared about serving a mission actually helped me discover that I had a great desire to be part of this work and share the Gospel. But, once the semester was over I had a decision to make....Do I go on a mission? or Do I go forward with school even though I STILL have no clue what to major in (pathetic, I know!)? Even though I had discovered this deep desire to serve I hesitated and didn't know what path to follow. I was stuck in dreaded LIMBO!!!! After being in limbo for a few weeks it got to the point where I had to decide what path to take. I decided to serve a mission and when I asked, in prayer, if that was the right decision I got an overwhelming feeling that was right and to move forward with my decision. This taught me that anyone who has a sincere desire to serve will be called to labor and will be made an instrument in the Lord's hands to help bring salvation to those souls who are searching for the truth.
