Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Managua NICARAGUA Mission

My mission call was delivered to my house at about 2 o'clock on Wednesday February 24, 2010. My mom text me to tell me it was here and I freaked out on the spot. I teared up in disbelief! I had planned to wait to open it on Friday night with my family and friends but as the day drew on the waiting and anticipation could no longer happen. I had to open it that night. So Jen, Cody, and I drove down from Logan to open my call that night. Heather would have to meet us there because she had a lab that couldn't be missed.
Well at about 8:15 pm the doubt, fear, and wonder left my mind. I opened the envelop to find that my life in the next few months my life would change drastically. This is what it said:

Dear Sister Pond:

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 Nicaragua Managua Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months.

You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, May 26th, 2010. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Spanish language. Your assignment may be modified according to the needs of the mission president.

You have been recommended as one worthy to represent the Lord as a minister of the restored gospel. You will be an official representative of the Church. As such, you will be expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct and appearance by keeping the commandments, living mission rules, and following the counsel of your mission president. As you devote your time and attention to serving the Lord, leaving behind all other personal affairs, the Lord will bless you with increased knowledge and testimony of the Restoration and of the truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Your purpose will be to invite those to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. As you serve with all your heart, might, and strength, the Lord will lead you to those who are prepared to be baptized.

The Lord will reward you for the goodness of your life. Greater blessings and more happiness than you have yet experienced await you as you humbly and prayerfully serve the Lord in this labor of love among His children. We place in you our confidence and pray that the Lord will help you become an effective missionary.

You will be set apart as a missionary by your stake president. Please sent your written acceptance promptly, endorsed by your bishop.

Sincerely,
Thomas S. Monson
President

I know this is a calling from the Lord. I'm excited to serve in Nicaragua! Now I just have to wait.....AGAIN!