I want to start out though with a quote from my future mission president as was told by one of the Sister's in my mission :)
If nothing else this quote is FOR FUTURE MISSIONARIES :)
"You have a hundred successes every day."
We are missionaries to help coach people to eternal salvation. We can help people do that no matter how the encounter goes. We can help with a smile, a hello, a pass along card. For some people it's more dramatic; we teach them the lessons and they get baptized. We help everyone in different ways, but just by doing something, no matter how big or little, we are helping people progress toward eternal salvation. You have hundreds of successes each day. Count your successes. DO NOT look at your failures. You don't have any failures. "
Cool huh ;)
So I leave on the Lord's mission in 6 days... AH XD. Anyways I learned a LOT about preparing to go what to do and what not to do. (Because believe me, my preparation was a RIOT!!) So here are a few words of wisdom from a girl just like you that is finally getting her bags packed! Enjoy :)
1. Everything that seems like a miracle IS A MIRACLE!!!!!
-While preparing for my mission there were a million things that just "came together". Whether it was opening to the perfect scripture when studying, or running into the person I needed to talk to that day working at Deseret Book. Don't discount the things that really matter. You are going on a mission and living righteously. Righteous living will always entitle you to the help of the Spirit and YES even miracles. God is aware of you, he knows who you are and most importantly HE LOVES YOU!!!!
2. Don't waste your time comparing your wardrobe or other things to other people.
- I wasted so much time looking at the "many are called..." site looking at people's outfits, their luggage etc. etc. etc. Well guess what?? My situation was radically different than all of them and so is yours!!! You don't need to go out and spend another 500 dollars on a wardrobe when you already have one that will work. The point of going on a mission is not to have the cutest clothes. (Shocker right?) The point of going on a mission is to share your sunshine and your testimony with every person that you can. So spend your time on things of eternal significance. Besides, by the time you get home you will hate all of your clothes anyways. (Warning: all of the returned sister missionaries I talked to said that the clothes from "Sister Missionary Mall" wore out the fastest and were the most expensive.... so be careful with your clothes and don't always shoot for the most expensive stuff)
DI was my saving grace!!! I got some super cute stuff from DI that still even had tags on it!! Can you believe that?? The most money I spent on things, were my coat and my shoes... and trust me I didn't like it. I haven't payed more than 20 dollars for a pair of shoes EVER. Top brand picks for me
- Clarks and Yuu's. (You can get them at JC Penny's and DSW) I got some really "cute" shoes at first, and I wore them and broke them in and they still weren't comfortable, you don't have to sacrifice cute for comfort, just don't look just at cute ;). Also, you can get great clothes online from China for super cheap. Check out yesstyle.com and aliexpress.com, zulily is another great site for some inexpensive name brand clothing.
** Also... You will see all these people who are like "I'm cross stitching my mission temple" or "I'm reading all the standard works in a week." or my personal favorite, "I'm fasting every day until I leave..." To those beautiful sisters... I am amazed and inspired by you... but I really can't do that.
Our call is to try our best to be our best self. If it's not you to make all of your clothing, don't do it. I fell into a trap of thinking that said I needed to be more like these other sister's that were going out. FALSE.
YOU were called to a specific mission where YOU could be of the best service. Don't waste your time trying to change yourself into something that you are not. :)
3. Nothing makes up for great preparation.
- A year ago I received a blessing when I broke off a relationship that was about to turn into a marriage; in the blessing it said that it was important to spend my time preparing for a mission because a year of preparation could not just be made up in 3 weeks of hard work. A year later I am going on a mission (imagine that). Nothing brings me more peace than in knowing that I really have given it my all. I know that because I have been prepared Heavenly Father will help me do the rest!!! I am scared out of my mind to teach!!! We are commanded first to obtain God's word before we strive to teach it- so somehow I know that weak things will become strong and I will eventually be fine teaching. :)
But really- The scriptures are true. Imagine how they came to be- many prophet's and ultimately Joseph Smith gave their very LIVES to bring these books of scripture about- spend some time there, and you will be surprised how these people who lived so long ago can find their way into your heart. You will learn how to LOVE the people you read about.
4. ASK THE MISSION HOME- They can help you
- When I first had a million questions I didn't want to email the mission home and seem really dumb (Don't you hate swallowing your pride?).... Eventually I gathered my courage and sent an email of upwards of probably 10 questions that were sooooo dumb :P And guess what?? THEY KNEW ALL THE ANSWERS.... it's like they live in the mission home or something. Don't be afraid to ask questions. :) Plus, rules are different for every mission, don't get caught unaware.
5. Life is hard... and it's harder preparing to go on a mission.
-Can you believe that?? You spend all this time deciding whether or not to go on a mission and then all of the sudden (bells, music, angels) I'M SUPPOSED TO GO ON A MISSION!!! (Or maybe not, maybe you just knew or just decided ya know everyone is different) Then, ten seconds later, Satan gets MAD!!! And you are then wondering ummmm did I make the right decision? The time I have had since my decision has been some of the hardest times of my life. I mean plus everyone I talk to is like "Don't get shot while you're in Detroit"...(psh) The point is that people are often more cynical and can come up with horror stories about any place you decide to go. Plus Satan doesn't want your sunshine out in a dark world converting and planting seeds all over the place about the truthfulness of the gospel. With that said, it has also been some of the most humbling times of my life as well!
Remember that in your times of darkness to read D&C 6. Within that chapter is a lot of really great encouragement for missionaries but especially when it says "Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?" If you got an answer from Heavenly Father- it is still your answer... and unless something changes in your life- God doesn't change his answer without a reason.
6. Prayer
-Pray like everything depends on the Lord, and then work like everything depends on you!
Last of all, I know that you are going to do great. Don't stress. I always see people get ready for really great adventures and they are all sorts of stressed up and down the street about it. RELAX. Everything will work out fine.
COME WHAT MAY, And LOVE IT!
Oh and remember, Wherever you go, bring your own sunshine. :D
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