"Dear Sister Green, you are hereby called to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are to assign to labor in the California Anaheim Mission." I had been waiting to read these words for about four years, but the days leading up to opening my mission call felt like thousands of years. 

At the age of 14 I told myself and everyone I knew that I was going on a mission, and I will have you know it was not something I prayed about, I didn't spend weeks searching and pondering the scriptures, I just knew. It had been in my mind since President Monson made the big announcement that sisters could serve at the age of 19 instead of 21. Then maybe a week or two later as I was driving in the car with my Dad I blurted out,

"I want to go on a mission!" It kind of shocked me because it was something I was just thinking about, I hadn't even prayed about it. But as I said those words I knew that I would serve a mission, and I told everybody I knew that was my plan. 

Before the mission age changed I thought 21 was the most inconvenient age to go on a mission, I knew I would be either married, or deep into school and it wouldn't work out for me to go on a mission. But 19 was so much easier and it would be much more convenient to serve the lord. How selfish does that sound? 

I now believe that even if the mission age hadn't changed I would still have a strong desire to serve the lord. This decision has blessed my life before I have even stepped on the mission field, but my preparation hasn't always been easy. I have never been good with scripture study and it something I have been working on. My biggest struggle recently has been with the advisory, as I was putting in my papers there was times when I felt doubt, that I shouldn't go on a mission. Could I really leave my family, my favorite tv shows, and pause my studies? 

I know those are not my thoughts, I know that Satan is trying to tempt me and make me believe that it is in my best interest to stay. But in my heart I know that there are people who Heavenly Father is preparing right now, for me to teach and bring unto the gospel. 

This church has given me happiness, and I love to make others happy, it is one of the best feeling in the world. I can not wait for February 1st when I enter the MTC and I am able to fill this desire, and serve the Lord.