When my older brother left on his mission and I heard about such amazing things that happened to him, not to mention all the blessings our family received from his service, I knew I wanted to go someday too. He left when I was 12 but the years since have passed all too quickly. I cannot believe the time has come to start my papers (kind of like an audition or application process). It is so exciting! I have been waiting for this moment my whole life.
All the preparation that has happened through my adolescence is definitely beneficial, I had so many opportunities with missionary work all through high school thanks to the Mission Prep class offered at my church when I was 16 and I have been taking it everywhere I go since. Every moment seems to really make a difference, just having sister missionaries around my junior and senior years of high school really fed my crave for being a missionary and solidified my decision to go as soon as I can.
Now, I have a missionary out in the field as well, he has been out almost a year! And I am completely drawn aback at how fast this year went by! I know what you are probably thinking, but I have to get this out-- he is my boyfriend. I don't know if I can tell you where he is serving, but he is doing very well and I am so proud of him. We have been together about two years, we've always been long distance but still only communicating through email and letters is always difficult. The soonest we will see each other again will be February of 2017.., that's 3 years of service between the two of us! 5 months of double duty! Haha! It's going to be the best decision we will ever make, I know that. There will be nothing better for our eternal family someday (except out temple marriage of course). So definitely worth it.
Okay, here is some needed information: to be a Sister Missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you now need to be 19 years of age. I currently am underage and won't be eligible for service until August 2015. However, I am allowed to submit my papers 6 months before my availability date (August 22, 2015)! Also I am in college at the present time, so this winter break is the best time to complete my papers! Therefore, I am starting them when I come home!!! I am so excited!!!!!! It will be a little bit after I am home, I must confess, because I am getting my wisdom teeth out for my papers the morning after I drive home. Haha, you can't wait to hear about that, huh?
Alright, what's my deal-- why is this "blog worthy" or whatever..? I'll tell ya! This is one of the biggest times of my life so I was impressed to document it, not only somewhere that I can see it, but anyone! That way, I can share my story and help others either in the same situation or curious about it, etc. It is also a great way for me to learn how to express my thoughts to strangers, which I will be doing A LOT this time next year!
So I'll keep you posted! Thanks so much for reading, I gotta head to class!
Future Sister Lybbert
