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It's funny, how quickly life can change.
One moment you think you've got it all figured out, and in a matter of seconds...
everything changes.
If you would have asked me a month ago what my plans were for the next two years
I would have told you about going to Ukraine to teach children English this winter. Or about next summer, working in Walt Disney World. I would finish general ed at BYUI, then work on progressing in photography, and go into Health Science to someday be an Ultra Sound tech.
Just when you think you've got it all planned out,
our prophet speaks and shows you just how blind you'd been the entire time.
....
We'd gotten up way before the sun that first morning of October General Conference, 2012. Leah Burnett, Heather Dockstader and I didn't have tickets yet, but by being the first (literally) people in the stand-by line, we were praying we'd be able to get in. This was my very first time to general conference. I remember how badly I just wanted to see President Monson with my own eyes... As they dismissed us from the line to wait in the tabernacle, everything began to sink in.
We were possibly minutes away from being in the same room as our very prophet.
We sat there for what seemed like forever, waiting for the okay to head over to the conference center. With us still in the tabernacle, conference began. The opening song, the prayer, and there we sat, thinking maybe all of our efforts were for nothing.
Just as the disappointment began to sink in, a man walked up to our bench, slowly gestured with his hands to the door and softly said,
"Enjoy conference, Sisters."
That, we would.
As we anxiously rushed in, tears already flowing down our faces in gratitude, the prophet was speaking. Instantly, the spirit was overwhelming. While trying to find our seats and get settled in, we heard a sort of commotion from the audience that we didn't understand. As we sat down, Brother Burnett leaned over to the three of us. With wide, glowing eyes he said,
"We just missed it.The prophet has just announced that young men may serve missions at age 18. Young women can now serve at age 19."
I can't remember a single talk after the announcement that morning. Heather, Leah and I just held each other and sobbed. We knew. I knew. This is what I would be doing for the next 18 months. This is what Heavenly Father wants, needs, me to do. Along with many others, we have all decided to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Everything makes sense now.
This church is so true, I know with all my heart that it is. Our Father in Heaven knows and loves every single one of his children. Our minds are so limited, but he knows all. That is why we must trust in him, with a "perfect brightness of hope". I know he will lead us to wherever we're supposed to go in life. What ever we're meant to do. He knows me just as well as he knows you. I know Joseph Smith was and is a prophet of God. I know that just as he knelt down in the sacred grove and received an answer, we can too. Heavenly Father answers our prayers. The Book of Mormon is true. I've read it, and I've felt its power.
"Where much is given, much is required" I know the truth, I've seen it change my life. I want to I need to share this knowledge with everyone I can.
This is the beginning of my story as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
2 Nephi 31:20
Soon to be, Sister West
