Surety

I must confess to having experienced quite a bit of trepidation at leaving behind what is currently my whole world for 18 months to go to a whole new country, a whole new continent even, where they speak completely different language, and to sacrifice my time and myself. Yes, I would be sacrificing to build God's kingdom on earth, but I was still selfishly afraid. And you know what? I don't like being afraid. So I decided I needed to stop being afraid. It took some time, some prayer and study, and some very apt words of advice from some very dear friends, but I got my head into gear and realized that for the first time in my life I have a piece of paper signed by a prophet of God telling me exactly what my Heavenly Father wants me to do, where he wants me to be, and when he wants me to be there.

I know with perhaps more exactness than ever before in my life just what is next in Heavenly Father's plan for me. And so, though I'm giving up quite a lot as I leave behind my family, my friends, my life, my hobbies, so much of what I consider "myself," nothing I could be doing here in the next 18 months would make me happier than what I'll be doing in Nicaragua. Nope, not even going to Philmont. And though I'll be working harder than I've ever worked in my life, I've been told by a lot of returned missionaries that, if I have the right attitude, I might just have more fun than I've ever had before, either. And I believe it. After all, who's going to have more fun than me when it comes to walking long hours on dirt roads, only having cold showers, no makeup, and sweating all day? I mean, isn't this what my summers have taught me to love?

I'm not afraid anymore. I'm excited. I know that what I'm doing next is right, and is exactly what the Lord has planned for me, and that makes this awesome. I know with a surety that I'm doing the Lord's will, and I know of a surety his doctrine. I've got everything I need, and I'm ready for the best adventure of my life. And you know what? I'm ready for the adventures after that. Because that's what this life is about. Learning to handle new experiences with grace and enthusiasm.

Come at me, bro!