So I'm actually writing this before many of you will have heard the news. Starting, anyway. I've had so many thoughts during the decision, papers, and submitting process that I have wanted to write down, that I decided to just throw this post into a draft folder, and release it when I announce. And if you're reading it, that means I announced it today! Or, you know, some time in the near past.
When I first started thinking about a mission, I was at the VC with my Sisters, and realized that even though I had a TON of homework, I didn't really care. I just wanted to stay there and continue to talk about gospel things. When I related the thought to them, they gave me a knowing look, and I said "Crap. That's what a mission is..." to which they laughed and nodded.
Since then, there have been many little instances, many promptings that this was the direction I needed to go. I remember the biggest "aha" moment was when we were discussing the restoration in Institute. Brother Chatwin had us write down things that we had because of the Gospel. I wrote down plenty of things, and then he asked, Now what are you willing to sacrifice in thanks?
Crap, I said, looking at the ceiling....
I knew a mission is what He wanted me to do. And I wasn't in love with the idea.
I always said that if Heavenly Father told me I needed to go on a mission, I would do it... I just enver thought he would. I'm 23, I should already have 2 kids and a 3rd on the way, according to the Official Mormon Timeline.
(not a real thing, non-member people. It's a joke.)
But when I decided, I was firm on my decision. Which is unusual for me, as I'm the most indecisive person in the WORLD. That's how I know it's right, because I will waffle on everything.
Going back to the sacrifice thing. I was worried most about leaving smack dab in the middle of my degree. I'm not going to be able to sing as much as I do now. How is my voice going to fair over the next two years? How am I going to come home, and immediately have to give my junior recital, and be prepared for it? I've come to realize that none of that matters, in the eternal perspective. He will provide for me as I serve Him, and after I have served Him.
The hardest part about going pin my mission is leaving my family, and especially all the new friends I've made in the last few months. Since returning to the Church, I've made many be friends, and developed done if the closest relationships I've ever had. It's going to be extremely difficult to leave those people, and know that in 2 years, I may not be able to spend as much time with them as I could now. But again, I know He has a plan that's better than anything I can conceive of, and so I know that I need only serve faithfully, and all will be well.
Okay, opened the call tonight...
ENGLAND???????? WHAT~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm going to a foreign MTC!!!!!
Seriously guys, I'm so excited. The thought hit me in institute the other day: I'm happy that I have the opportunity, the privelege to serve. Not the duty, or obligation, or that I have to. I'm truly glad that I get to go to a distant land, and teach people how to find the joy I have found. How the Gospel is really all about love.
In institute last week, we were discussing Conference, and I had to give a thought before the class began. I talked about how I heard so much about love in those sessions. Later, someone mentioned the story of a lady who heard the message of Marriage in every single talk, but years later looked up the talks and not one was about that. Not one even mentioned marriage. Brother Chatwin made the joke that I wrote down 8 pages of notes, and every single one was about love. After everyone chuckled, his tone softened, he said, and how wonderful that THAT is what he took away from conference as he prepares to go on his mission.
I testify to you that the Gospel, the Church, and the Savior are all about love. True love, that doesn't discriminate or come with condition. I pray that I, and all of you, can learn one day to show that love in every interaction we have with our brothers and sisters on this earth.
Love,
(Soon to be Elder) Taylor Hudson.
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