It's been a very long time since I have written a blog post. It seems now that all of my blog posts from here on out will be updates for my mission; where I am with my paperwork, preparatory experiences, and whatever else seems to come out of my mind.
As far as paper work goes, Bishop and I have been meeting at least once a month since March. Every bit of paperwork that I've had the opportunity to fill out has been filled out and I've been attending weekly mission prep classes. To see how close I am to my mission now than I was 8 months ago, not just time wise but in preparation is scary. I've been thinking a lot about my progression since then and though I am not quite to where I could be, I have made great strides towards my goal. My parents during this process have been ridiculously amazing. Though I will not receive their support financially, to know that I have their spiritual and emotional support is more than enough. There was a time when I didn't receive any support from them. Heavenly Father has since worked with them, has used me as His example, and has shown them that there is nothing to worry about. This reminds me of the story in 1 Nephi when Laman, Lemuel, and Nephi are sent to get the plates of brass from Laban. Laban was a ruler in Jerusalem and would have killed them with no problem. The three boys left from the wilderness where their family was staying and journeyed to obtain the plates. Laban was angry and, at first, the boys were unable to get the plates. After praying, Nephi obtains the plates from Laban and kills him. Laban's servant Ishmael is brought back with the boys. In the meantime, Sariah, the boys' mother, is worried about her boys and cries to Lehi, the boys' father, that they are dead and they never should have gone. Lehi speaks to her, telling her that he has received this vision from God and that their boys are going to be okay. Sariah takes comfort in this and soon after the boys return safely causing much joy. This story in a way is similar to how my parents may feel. It's scary to send your child into a place you don't know of, going through trials you cannot be there for, unaware of what is going on in your child's life and it's perfectly okay for my parents to feel this way. What they don't know is that I am going to slay the people of Laban, I will bring back the righteous to the army of God. I will make it home safe, in the arms of my Heavenly Father. I don't know what I am going to encounter wherever I am but I know I will be led by the Spirit to do the things which are right and which are pertinent to brings others unto Christ. That's my purpose as a missionary and that's what I will do with the guidance of my Heavenly Father and the Spirit.
I still have a far way to go but every day that I have to progress and grow with my Heavenly Father is a day that I cherish and look forward to. I hope that I will recieve the necessary support that I need to make this progression and I hope to make my Heavenly Father and my family proud.
"And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing beforehand the things which I should do."
1 Nephi 4:6
Don't forget to check out my mission prep facebook group for updates!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/404892552893232/
If you feel so inclined to financially support my efforts check out my GoFundMe account:
http://www.gofundme.com/12jhhk
