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.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Pray, Pray, Pray all day, day, day

Hello Everyone!

I hope this letter finds you all well. Things are going great in the Champaign/Mahomet area! This week was so great.

Last Monday we decided to go to Panera Bread (aka St Louis Bread Co) for lunch. When we walked in, this lady came up to us and said her and her husband wanted to buy us lunch since they had a daughter on a mission a few years back. They made us get dessert and a loaf of bread too. They were hilarious and adorable. It made me think of my ward family and friends back home who would all do the same. I love how we all take care of each other's missionaries all over the world :)

During a lesson this week with our French speaking investigator, his 18 month old little brother kept coming up to us and gnawing on our book of Mormons. It was hilarious! Not only is the Book of Mormon spiritual nourishment, but apparently it tastes good too! Wish I would've known that longer.... haha

This week we were able to FINALLY meet some less actives we've been trying to see for a while. It's so cool how the Lord is guiding this work. He is at the helm. We have nothing to fear! I'm also learning is a waste of time and energy. Prayer is much more effective! I worry about things that end up working out perfectly. I end up being reminded whose work this is, and how much it's in His control.

Cool story time! So we were tracting on Wednesday night, and it was pretty cold (what's new) and we met this man who talked to us for a while. It was pretty cool. He said he would try coming to church. Well, Sunday came and went and he didn't end up making it. Life went on, and later yesterday, we stopped by to see an investigator, and his wife told us to stop coming by because his health is bad and he's just not interesting. Ouch, that hurts, but I said a silent prayer, and asked God to please direct us to honest seekers of truth and people who really are interested. I don't want to waste the Lord's time herding goats. Well, we decided to stop by and see the man we had just met tracting. It turns out, he had been praying 20 minutes before we knocked on his door. After we left, he had spent the rest of the night researching the church (he was watching a movie when we got there, so he must have ditched the movie). It was really cool. It was a direct answer to my prayers! Then, we only had a few minutes until we had to head home, but we decided to try contacting someone Sister Martinez and I had met while tracting on New Years Eve when NO ONE was home or interested except that guy. We were able to have a short lesson with him. It was super cool. The Lord truly turns our sacrifices for our gain. It was such a great opportunity to see how the Lord is guiding us in our work. We're not along. The sacrifices we make are never wasted. We grow, and He uses them to bless the lives of His children as well.

Thanks for the quotes! I love them. I love the one "The Lord looks at weaknessess and rebellion differently" especially because I fear my weaknesses, but I'm learning not to. Worry is a waste of time. I worried this morning because we were going to have to email later than normal and I worried you would worry, and then guess what? The appointment cancelled. All that worrying last night for nothing. Waste of energy! Prayer on the other hand ISN'T a waste of energy. Things just work out with prayer!

*Pray pray pray all day! Pray in every way! Happiness happiness happiness happiness will be your life's theme!* (sing to the tune of row row row your boat :P I just made that up...)

I've learned that just because things are hard, it doesn't mean they have to stay that way.

I'm also learning about humility. Humility isn't just not being puffed up and proud, it's being willing to listen to others. Realizing that you are part of the problem, and asking others to be patient with your weaknesses!

Life is wonderful! I am learning, growing, and changing, and watching others do the same. This work is so magnificent! Thank you for all you do. I hope you all have a super week! Don't forget to pray :)

Lots of love and support,
Sister Edgel
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