Some might say that this is an "average" mission call because lets be honest, if you are called to a state that touches your home state, it just isn't quite as cool. I had really hoped to go to my fathers mission in Madrid, Spain and I thought that I would be a little bit disappointed if I was called somewhere else. However, as I read those words, I felt a sense of peace that could only mean that this was no mistake. I am meant to go to Portland, Oregon and I could not be happier!
Finding out who you marry, where you go to college, and what career you will be going into is something everyone would like to know at age 19. However, those are all things that YOU choose. Where you are called to serve a mission is completely out of your hands and the decision comes straight from the Lord. He makes no mistakes.
There are a few twists to where I was called and I was shocked and a little confused by them. I didn't understand, and I'm not sure I will ever understand, why it is that I was called to this mission with these twists, but I'm focusing on what I do know:
- I know that we have a Heavenly Father and I know that He loves me and knows me personally.
- I know that this church is true and I will preach His truth forever.
- I know that the Book of Mormon is true and that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God who translated that Book.
- I know that we have a living prophet upon this Earth, Thomas S. Monson. I also know that we will be blessed if we follow the prophet.
- I know that I am meant to touch the lives of the people in Portland, Oregon and bring happiness to their homes, families, and the many generations to come.
- I know that everything happens for a reason.
As I have looked up the weather in Portland, the region, and pictures of this beautiful place, I feel as if I have been there before. I already have a deep rooted love for my mission and the people who live there. July 1st seems like an eternity! I can not WAIT to get out there to help in His work. This feeling is pure joy and I couldn't have asked for a better life.
It may not be on the mountain height
Or over the stormy sea,
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me.
But if, by a still, small voice he calls
To paths that I do not know,
I'll answer, dear Lord, with my hand in thine:
I'll go where you want me to go.
There's surely somewhere a lowly place
In earth's harvest fields so wide
Where I may labor through life's short day
For Jesus, the Crucified.
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.
Portland, Oregon |