I Hope They Call Me On A Mission

Most people have to plans to go to college or the military right after graduation. Not me, today I finally submitted my missionary application form for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Many people call us Mormons. In two weeks or so I will have my mission call to wherever the Lord calls me! I may be called to go to another state here in America or to a foreign country.

Since January this year I have be n filling out my missionary recommendation form. I was required to fill out many papers concerning my health and background. I also had to get checkups from my physician and from my dentist to make sure I'm in good health. I waited two weeks for the doctors forms to get back to me. I've had to meet with my church leaders multiple times to make sure that I am prepared and worthy to go.

Ever since I was a little kid in primary class I have been wanting to serve a mission. In fact, I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't want to. I have been waiting for 18 years for this opportunity and now it is finally here! I am excited beyond compare! 

When I was younger the age requirement to be a missionary was 19 years old for males and 21 years old for females. As a freshmen in high school the age requirement was lowered to 18 years old for males and 19 years old for females. These are the minimum ages. When I heard this I was so excited. Everyone in my religion was excited! 

For the next 2 years I will be teaching people about my faith and trying to help them live happier lives. I will have lots of opportunities to do service for people. My purpose as a missionary is to invite everyone to come unto Christ and be perfected through Him. After I share my message, the people I teach will have the opportunity to see what we "Mormons" are about, and then decide if they want any part of it or not. 

The lifestyle of a missionary is very different from how most people live. I will have to wake up at 6:30 every morning and go to bed at 10:30 every night. There are no naps and no staying up late. It's a very strict lifestyle. In the mornings I have an hour to exercise, an hour to study the scriptures alone, and an hour to study the scriptures with my companion. And that brings me to another point, I will have to be with another male at all times. I can never be alone completely. I must be within sight and sound of the companion that I will have. I will not be able to go on dates or hangout with friends. I will not be able to listen to my regular music. Sounds restricting huh? But all of these rules are to help me focus on the work that I am going to do and to help me do my best. So once I get in the habit of doing all of those things, it will be easy. 

There is a primary song in my church That goes like this, "I hope they call me on a mission, when I have grown a foot or two. To preach and teach and serve as missionaries do." I'm finally reaching my goal and I can't wait to go to a foreign land and serve my God! It's not a sacrifice, it's an exchange for something better!