Life is a funny thing. Like a brand new board game; just as you think you are getting the hang of it, someone tells you rules you've never even heard of. I can never tell if I'm winning but all I know is I never want to land on the "go to jail"...real life doesn't have get out of jail free cards or even go back 3 spaces.
Anyway the announcement was quite a shock to me...if anything this became my game changer. My everything changer. Suddenly my life wasn't mapped out perfectly and I could be living anywhere with anyone for the next 18 months! Suddenly being 19 made me feel really young not like the adult I used to feel like.
Recently (as pretty much everyone knows) the rules in my game (and many others) of life changed. Within 2 hours everything changed. In October it was announced that the age for missionaries has been lowered from 19 to 18 for boys and from 21 to 19 for girls.
"As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."
-President Monson, October 2012 General Conference
Isn't modern revelation amazing!
So with big choices there seems to come a lot of work. As I made the decision that I felt I needed to serve (after much pondering, fasting, prayer and fathers blessings) and needed to get out in the field quickly, I had a lot of work ahead. I was very blessed to have so many things fitting perfectly in place and even health care professionals on board (with my dentist even waiving the fee for my appointment) and excited for me to serve. Everything was going so smoothly that my papers were in two weeks after I made the decision (three after the announcement) and were back in another two weeks on November 26th 2012.
It is honestly the craziest feeling opening a mission call.
you can see I was a tad excited to open my call
Anyway, as many of you know, I have been blessed to serve in the Australia Brisbane Mission! Guess I'm needed in the homeland. I can't wait to know why I am meant to be there.
I am so thankful for how supportive everyone has been through all this.
Love you all
Great blog Rachael:)
ReplyDeleteWhat an exciting adventure you have ahead of you Rachael. I am so proud of you!! I am grateful you have acquired so many skills already in your young life- especially the most important one, that you can recognise and heed the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
Much love always, Mum xxx