18. Getting the Ball Rolling

Today is a special day! I met with my bishop to start my mission papers! Now, equipped with my missionary handbook, I start the process of finalizing my mission preparation. My whole life I've wanted to serve a mission. My father served in Czechoslovakia right after to fall of the Iron Curtain, while my uncle served in Sydney Australia Mandarin speaking. Everyone I talk to tells me how difficult of a time it is, but without fail mention that it is completely worth it. I am personally of the belief that I shouldn't tell anyone were I want to go, because I might jinx it. But to be honest, I am excited to go wherever I am called. To me, a mission is more than just a chance to fulfill my duty to God. I see this as a chance to grow and develop as a man over these two years. While having my interview with my bishop, he taught me about the mission rules in a way that I had never thought of them before. In order for God to bless his children, he asks for us to obey his rules. On a mission, there are so many rules so God has even more excuses to bless us. Though sometimes I won't be able to understand why there are certain rules in place, I can always remember that the rules are there to bless me. I am so grateful for the chance to go out into the world and serve a mission. I am glad that my parents raised me to value and desire missionary service. I am so grateful my dad sat me down at age eight to set me up on a plan to raise my own missionary funds. After 11 years, I have successfully saved up the money needed to pay for my own mission, and I am happy that I will have some skin in the game when I head out. Though I still have a semester to go, I can't wait to head out!

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