The Mission Call

I received my white envelope just a couple weeks ago on Saturday, Sept 3rd 2016 and opened it the next day at the Sacred Grove, in honor of receiving my prompting to serve a mission.

Before the magical paper came, I would joke around with the sister missionaries in my branch about serving in Utah, Idaho, or Arizona. I desperately desired to serve somewhere out of country, speaking a foreign language, and riding a bike (high maintenance, right!?). Admittedly, I was crushed when I held my small and thin white package. I didn't want to open it. The next morning before church, I went to the grove with my letter to pray and receive comfort over a letter that contained the next 18 months of my life.

5pm rolled around as some family and friends gathered in the visitors center for the big reveal. Still anxious, yet frightened this is what my letter said: "Dear Sister Garrow, You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Utah Salt Lake City West Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months." Complete peace and comfort filled my heart. Although we do not remember our plan that Heavenly Father has given us before birth, being called to serve in Utah felt familiar and right. I do not know why I am called to serve in the Utah Salt Lake City West Mission, but I know that as I dedicate myself to the Lord's work, using the spirit as a constant companion, I will truly find my purpose as to why I was sent to that specific location, at that very time. I know this church to be true, I have felt pure joy and happiness as I strive my best each day to follow Christ's example in the way that He lived his life. I am so excited to serve! I report to the Provo MTC in less than a month, on the 19th October. Time is going by too fast, but not fast enough!