Why Serve a mission?

When I was 15 years old I listened to the mother of a close friend talk about serving a mission. For the first time I remember really wanting to serve a mission when I turned 21. I just had to hear hundreds of missionaries sing "Called to Serve" in the MTC! Time went on, and I prepared for the different eventualities of life. When the age sister missionaries could serve dropped to 19, I was super stoked! I was 19, almost 20! I could go early! Well, it turned out that wasn't the time for me. November of 2013, I felt strongly like I should reconsider the mission idea. I did, and the pieces of the puzzle fell into place :) This is all really nice, but it's not really the WHY, it's more of the HOW.

So WHY am I choosing to dedicate 18 months of my life away from my family, friends, school, and a closet full of clothes to talk to people in Missouri? Well, 33 years ago, 2 male missionaries started talking to my dear sweet Momma. The message they shared with her changed the course of her existence, and our family. I'm so grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and the knowledge I have of who He is, and what His plan for His children is. I can't help feeling like if I choose not to share this message with others that I'll be ungrateful for the amazing gift that I've been given. I've also been blessed with some talents that I'd like to give back to the Lord. As much as I love my family and the other things listed above, I love my Heavenly Father and Savior more. They have called, so I'm answering.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

I Love having a name tag!!!!

Hello there Mother Dearest ;)

We got special permission from the branch president to email you today in case we can't email later this week. We're currently in the laundry room emailing. Fun stuff!
I am doing so great! I love the MTC! I'm nervous and excited to go to the field. I feel ready in the sense that I know I'll never be entirely ready, but I'm as prepared as I ever will be :p I can't wait to meet my trainer, Mission President, and THE PEOPLE!!! AHH!!!!

This past week flew by. I feel like I've been in the MTC for a month! It's been awesome though. We have made so many improvements with our teaching. Heavenly Father has also taught me some wonderful lessons. You'll be glad to hear that one of them is to not take myself to seriously, and have fun as my blessing counseled me! Yes I was having a hard time with that because I truly just want to be a great missionary. On Saturday I was conducting sister training leader interviews with the sisters, and I realized that I had to have fun and be myself for them to be willing to open up to me. The Lord taught me the importance of who I am, and the need for me to be me so quickly. It strengthened my testimony to know that He will keep teaching me in those simple ways throughout my mission. I'm happy & the Lords happy so ya I'M SO EXCITED!!

Thanks for the packages! I have enjoyed the treats.

I have never felt more secure in the Love of God in my life. I love having a name tag! I still love my companion and roommates although sometimes I worry they find me annoying, but I love them! They are great and inspire me in different ways. We are so close as a district. I feel so blessed! I was so sad to say goodbye to my teachers today, especially brother Kezele (He was friends with Natalie Harmon my freshman year roommate! They're from the same home stake or something)

I am so excited to talk to people at the airport! I have been praying all week that I'll be able to talk to the people the Lord wants me to. I've truly been blessed with the ability to increase my desire to be bold. I don't know if I'm super bold yet, but I have nothing to fear! The church IS true! The message we share can only help people if they let it :)

I want to be able to send some pictures too, and we still need to finish packing and cleaning, so I'll talk to you more tomorrow! Make sure Dad gets this as well. Thanks for taking care of Momma pops! I love you all! I pray for you! Thanks for your valiant examples. I know my testimony of the gospel is so strong because of your examples. You showed me how you develop a testimony of the gospel principles. Thanks so much! I LOVE YOU ALL!! Sister Edgel

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