called to serve

Monday Sept 21st 2015

I opened up my mailbox and my call was finally there!! I was freaking out. That was the 4th time I had checked it. Waiting for a mission call is the worst guys! Anyways I had to open it right after my siblings got home from school cause of all their activities after school. So I had kaitlyn come over at 2:30. My siblings finally all came home. My grandparents couldn't come. So I called them and called grandma udell. I had my sister, hayley & the boys on skype. What was awesome was kelsey was emailing at the same time so kaitlyn was emailing her while I opened it. It was kind of like she was there with me! I just couldn't believe I was actually opening it. Obviously it took me forever to open the envelope...

"Dear Sister Fisher,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Arizona Scottsdale Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Provo missionary Training Center on Wednesday, October 28, 2015. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language."

I am so excited to serve the Lord in Arizona! I know that is where I am supposed to be! I was not expecting Arizona at all! I was actually born there but only lived there a year. I don't know if I am ready for the heat...but at least I am only there one summer! Everything happened so fast! I got my mission papers in, in less than two weeks. And I am leaving in 27 days!! So crazy. I am feeling pretty overwhelmed of all the things I need to do. But I am feeling a lot better about everything. 

People keep asking me why I decided to serve a mission. That question is not one that I can easily answer in one sentence. It's been a long process. I remember sitting in general conference oct 2012 with my roommates. Kelsey on my left, Hayley on my right. It was saturday morning session. President Thomas S. Monson announces the new mission age for girls is 19 instead of 21. I look to my friends and we all gasp and are all very surprised. I was 18 at the time. I could be going on a mission within that next year. I hadn't thought much about missions because it was so far away from when I could go and who knows I could have been married by then. When the prophet said those words the spirit was so strong and I knew I need to serve a mission. I didn't know when. I was trying not to cry because I hate crying in front of people! I am pretty personal when it comes to my feelings.

Here I am 21. The original sister missionary age. Leaving this month. I have had many confirmations within these past three years to serve a mission. I was scared. I am not a very good teacher. I don't feel like I know much about the scriptures. I would be leaving my whole life! I know I need to overcome my fear by having faith. The past experiences I have had have prepared me to serve a mission. I have had such great examples in my life. I have had lots of friends serve missions. Some of my favorite church leaders served missions and are amazing women. I know I was not ready at 19. The Lord's timing is perfect. Arizona needs me at this time but more importantly I need them!

So why serve a mission? I only have a year left of school. I am going to miss a lot of my friends weddings. Missing my brother's graduation. I am serving a mission because I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only true church. I am serving a mission because I cannot deny that the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I am serving a mission because Heavenly Father has given me so much and I want to give back. I am serving a mission to help others come unto Christ. I am serving a mission for me and to strengthen my testimony. I am serving a mission because I know that Jesus Christ atoned for MY sins. I am serving a mission because my patriarchal blessing says I am going to be a missionary. I am serving a mission to be an example to my little siblings. I am serving a mission because I know I would regret it. I am serving a mission because I know it is what I am supposed to do in this time of my life. I am serving a mission because I want to share my happiness of this gospel with others.

I am grateful for everyone who has and is helping me with preparing for a mission! My bishop, parents, family, stake president, and friends. Thank you! I can feel all your love so deeply!