Why I'm on a Mission

I know it may seem I'm just "caught up in the hype" of the Church's announcement lowering missionary ages, but serving a mission for me is a far larger decision than just "all my friends are doing it". I chose to serve a mission for many reasons, but none based on the "popularity" of serving. I am positive thousands of sisters feel the same. This age change "may well usher in an era of the sister missionary in a way we don’t fully comprehend. Not only are we about to see a flood of sister missionaries, but we are going to have front-row seats to an enormous cultural shift in the church." I am thrilled to be able to be a part of this, but most importantly, I am so grateful to be able to be part of the Lord's work here on the earth. The gospel has blessed my life in so many ways; how can I keep something so wonderful to myself? Christ is the only source of true joy in such a troubled world, and every one of God's children deserves a chance to partake of that happiness. Because of this, I have wanted to serve a mission since I was 17, and am ecstatic that I can go now rather than wait two more years. More importantly than my mere desire to go, is that I know that this is what Heavenly Father wants me to do right now. I have experienced several "mini miracles" that, in retrospect, I realize have led me to this point -- including promptings of the Spirit, and experiences in the past few months -- and now it is my responsibility to use all that the Lord has given me to share the gospel with His children. I know that serving a mission is what I need to do, and that I, and all the other missionaries, will be blessed far more than we could ever serve. The idea of serving is overwhelming, but I feel so blessed and humbled that I have been called as an ambassador of God to preach the gospel to the people of Portugal. I only hope I can live up to my potential and be the best missionary I can be!