March 22, 2013:
I received my mission call! I will be serving in the Philippines Quezon City Mission and I report to the Philippines MTC on July 5th, 2013!!!!!!!!!!!
You know, as I look back on what has happened to me over the last five years, up until my decision to serve a mission, ...I cannot doubt this decision. For a long time, I constantly told myself that I wanted to serve in the Philippines. When I was younger, I was never allowed to go with my grandparents because they did not want me to be kidnapped. In high school, I did my best to embrace my Hispanic side with Spanish-classes, but I felt a closer connection to Filipinos, but I did not know why (don't get me wrong; I love everyone! LOL.) At work, whenever a Filipino walked towards me, I always felt an impression to speak to them in Tagalog, but I did not know how to converse... so I ignored the thought. I began to think maybe I am meant for a Spanish-speaking mission because I know the grammar very well?
Well, right before I opened my mission call, I really did not know what to expect, however, I totally thought that me going to the Philippines was not what Heavenly Father had intended for me and I was prepared to accept my call no matter what, because being discouraged would have proven that I was only going on this mission for myself and not for the people. Opening my call and reading Philippines Quezon City, I was overjoyed with laughter. What a huge blessing!!! This city is actually where my mother was born.
Now, I can actually talk with my grandparents (mother's parents) about the Philippines and what they would have me expect. Filipino grandparents have been Methodist for a while, so this will be very interesting.
No matter, I am extremely excited and thankful for the opportunity to serve this mission. I know that this is where Heavenly Father needs me to be. There people who have not heard, who have been prepared and who have been waiting to hear about this Gospel from me and my future companion(s). I cannot wait to share the messages with these people in my area.
.....man, I am going to the Philippines!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WATCH OUT!!!! I will be practicing my Tagalog and studying in my Mission Prep class twice as much now!!
