Just like the "Little Einsteins" theme song, I am going on a mission with equal enthusiasm as the 4 cartoon heroes of the beloved children's show.
On November 15, 2013, I received my call to serve as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I am assigned to labor in the Ecuador Guayaquil North Mission. I will take off on my "rocket ship" (haha, Little Einstein humor ;) on February 26, 2014, for the Mexico MTC, where I will learn Spanish and prepare to teach the gospel to those in Ecuador. I am so beyond excited and anxious to go and serve.
Ecuador is located right on the Equator, hence the name Ecuador. The seasons in Ecuador include: hot, HOT, VERY HOT, and Extremely HOT and a rainy season which results in water up to your calf (on a normal sized person, so it will probably approach my knee #shortpeopleproblems, haha) and then the sun comes out and you guessed it, you are now HOT and wet.
The houses are very colorful, especially in the city of Guayaquil. But really how cute are these?! The world would be a much happier place if we all had colorful houses.
All I have to say is I hope I find both of these adorable kids while I'm there and pray they will fit in my suitcase to come back home with me.
I have been asked on multiple occasions why I am serving a mission. Well, why wouldn't I? Jesus Christ gave his life for each of us, I can give 18 months of my life specifically dedicated to bringing souls unto Christ. The imfamous definition of a missionary is someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others may be with their families for Eternity. I hope to bring the blessings of the temple to families in Ecuador so they can be with their loved ones for eternity. I love to see the temple, I went inside (a few months ago). Our Heavenly Father loves us all, always strive to go inside someday.
God is the Father of our spirits. We are literally His children, and He loves us. We lived as spirit children of our Father in Heaven before we were born. We were not, however like our Heavenly Father, nor could we ever become like Him and enjoy all the blessings that He enjoys without the experience of living in mortality with a physical body. God's whole purpose-His work and His glory-is to enable each of us to enjoy all his blessings. He loves us. He wants us to become like him. God's plan is a merciful plan. The plan of happiness. Even as the Son of God was born, it has been universally bestowed on each of us. Our divine privilege to depart our heavenly home to tabernacle in the flesh and to demonstrate by our lives our worthiness and qualifications to one day return to Him, precious loved ones, and experience true joy. Our Heavenly Father's plan contains the ultimate expressions of true love. Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love each and every one of us immensely. Because of this ultimate example of love we can, by His grace, repent and be baptized and endure to the end, and one day return to live with our Heavenly Father. I am going to Ecuador to bring my brothers and sisters to know they are loved, that their Father in Heaven wants them to return to him. "He is waiting for YOU, with arms open wide. Come unto Him."
Al Fox said, "Christ really is there. He IS - in reality - there for us.
Every day.
All day long.
In everything that we do. If we just listen to what He’s been urging us to do this whole time, which is Come, Come unto Him. If we trust Him and turn to Him, we will know that everything is okay, and we CAN be happy.
That He loves you SO much - individually and personally. He IS there, and CAN help you, comfort and direct you.
Do NOT be afraid, or discouraged, or sad, because He is there!
Because you are never alone.
Because you are NEVER forgotten. And you NEVER were. He is very aware of you -- He IS!
He will not leave you. He will not fail thee.”
I am humbled and honored for the opportunity to share this wonderful plan of happiness with those in Ecuador. I already love the people of Ecuador so much and it will break my heart when I have to leave them. These next 18 months will go by so quickly and I can't wait to see you all once I return.
"My mission belongs to the Lord. With all my heart, I give my energy and my time to the Master because I love him. I am going to look at every day not as mine, but as His."
