Why I'm going

I never really thought I would go on a mission. My church sends missionaries all over the world, not just to third-world countries -- because really we could all use a little help. So I grew up watching the local missionaries; I always liked them but never really thought I would be one. It was always a decision for much farther in the future, one which quite frankly I was afraid to think about, afraid to think about sacrificing all I knew and loved. That is until a year ago, when the eligible age for girls was changed to 19. All of a sudden I realized I could go, and soon. I was SO happy the day it was announced. Like SO happy. And I didn't even know why. I just thought to myself "I could go" over and over again, with a big cheesy grin on my face. I thought about it for about a month, and then I prayed. I told God I couldn't think of a reason to not go, and asked if that was what He wanted me to do with the next 18 months of my life. And He answered me, incredibly clearly, yes. As soon as I finished my prayer my heart was immediately filled with such peace and love and happiness that I couldn't deny I had received an answer.
And so that is why I'm going.

Because I know that God loves us infinitely and perfectly.
Because I know that He listens to and answers our prayers.
Because I know that He will direct our lives to great and marvelous things if we let Him.
Because I know that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to Earth to provide us a way back.
Because I know that Christ's church was restored again on the earth through Joseph Smith.
Because I know that the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ as our Savior, just like the Bible.
Because I know that Christ's church today is led by a living prophet, just like in biblical times.
Because I know that my faith in Him gives me power to overcome anything.
Because I know.


I've been assigned to serve in the Argentina Posadas mission. It includes the city of Posadas and the surrounding area of Argentina, as well as the bordering area of Paraguay. I'll first be at a training center for 6 weeks where I'll study Spanish, the culture, and how to teach people. Then I'll go to my assigned area, most likely suffer from culture-and-language-shock :), and start working to help people strengthen their faith and find peace and joy in life. Because I'll have limited time to keep in touch via email, my lovely sister Emily will be in charge of updating this blog with my weekly emails to my family. Written letters are encouraged and will be cherished. :)

I am fully expecting this to be the hardest thing I have yet done in my life.
I am also fully expecting it to be the most rewarding.

I'll be voluntarily sacrificing everything that is familiar and comfortable for the desire to simply make others happier, because I know that's what Jesus Christ would do. So here I go!!

Oh Savior if Thou wilt be my guide

though dark and rugged the way,

My voice shall echo the message sweet,

I'll say what You want me to say.

So trusting my all to Thy tender care 

and knowing Thou lovest me,

I'll do Thy will with a heart sincere,

I'll be what you want me to be.