My Mission...how far I've come...

I wrote this for a lady in the mission. She asked me to write about my
experience because she knows how hard it was in the beginning and she
knows how far I've come. She read it at a conference for new
missionaries and then our mission president emailed me and said thank
you! Kind of a big deal!:)
Hope you enjoy:)

I came on a mission not fully understanding what Heavenly Father had
in store for me. I thought a mission would be a great experience for
me; I could have some cool mission stories to tell people, I could
teach a few families, I could take some awesome pictures, and if I was
lucky I could lead someone to baptism. But what I didn't know was how
hard the journey would be.

I got to the MTC and had a great time. Although I felt inadequate, I
learned so much and I felt the spirit so strongly and had a great
desire to serve Heavenly Fathers children.

When I got to Washington I was still excited but very nervous.
Transfer meeting came and went and I met my trainer and then goodbyes
were said. We drove to our area and then reality started setting in.
Here I was, alone with this stranger. Knowing no body, being
completely thrown into a strange place doing things I've never done
before, such as knocking on strangers doors, waking up at 6:30 every
morning, and backing out my companion. I was completely out of my
element and started focusing on all the hard things which allowed
Satan and his doubts to enter my mind. I started thinking what the
point of all this was. Then I made up my mind that I wasn't needed
here and I wanted to go home. Satan had me convinced that I wasn't
important and I should just take the easy way out and leave. It
sounded so good to me- to go back home to people who I already knew&
to go back to the familiar ways of life.

I reached my breaking point and in my head I had everything planned to
leave. But I went to talk to some wonderful office missionaries who
wouldn't let me quit. They saw the light when I was completely in the
dark. They helped me realize that I was important and that I couldn't
let Satan win. I started fasting and was told to give it a few more
days. So I did.

Then I met with President Taylor and he helped me so much. He
committed me to pray for the desire to be a missionary. And I've been
praying for the desire every day since. He also read to me Doctrine
and Covenants 84:88 which talks about angles being there to bear me
up. And I know that they have. I couldn't have been able to make it
without them and the loving help from so many others.

One day at a time is all it takes. Give it one day. If you can get
through one day you can make it through another. And then another and
another. Then before you know it a year has passed and you look back
at so many amazing experiences that have shaped you into who you are.

I know I have.

I can't imagine where I'd be if I went home. I can't imagine my life
without all the amazing people I've come to love. I'm changed because
of the things I've learned. I've gained such a deep love and testimony
of my Savior because of the love I feel as I serve those here in
Washington. The best decision I made was to come on my mission. The
second best decision I made was when I decided to love my mission.

And I really do love it. I know that everyday isn't easy but each day
there is something to learn. I'm so grateful for the opportunity I
have to serve. When things get hard just remember to give it another
day, and then another. Don't give up. Heavenly Father hasn't given up
on you and neither should you!

Xoxo
Sister Batey