Sunday, May 5, 2013

"Dear Sister Morris....."

To say I was nervous to open my mission call is an understatement. After waiting 40 days, a lot longer than normal, I was a hot mess. For most missionaries, they have known for a long time that a mission was for them. My journey to the mission call was the exact opposite. When people would ask me if I was going on a mission, I would respond with something like this, "NO WAY. I have never wanted to go on a mission. It is just not for me." I responded this way even up to the night I decided to go on a mission.

But, if there was one thing I have learned on this journey it is that there is one person that knows you better than you even know yourself, and that is Heaven Father. Going on a mission has always been a part of my plan, he was just waiting for me to realize it. (At least it wasn't as long as it takes me to get math. That would be never.) After I put my papers in, there were many obstacles I faced. There were many times when I just wanted to give up. I thought that if this was the right thing, it wouldn't be so hard. Every week I waited to get my call, and for 7 weeks that call never came. 


"I never said it wouldn't be hard, I just said it would be worth it."

When I opened the white envelope and read my call to the Maryland Baltimore Mission, I realized that there was no other place I would rather be. Baltimore was the perfect place for me, and even though those 40 days were tough, they were so worth it. Before I opened my call I went in my room and prayed that I would be comforted and know that wherever I was called to serve was where I was meant to be. I believe in every fiber of my being that I am supposed to serve in Baltimore. I believe that there are people there who the Lord has prepared to hear the gospel. And that through me, they will know of the gospel, and how much they are loved. I honestly cannot think of a better gift to give than the knowledge that you are a child of God. 

I without a doubt know that Heavenly Father and his son, Jesus Christ, live. I believe that he died on the cross so that I might be saved and forgiven for my sins. I believe that families can be together forever, even when separated by death. I believe that there is a God that loves each and everyone of us, and hopes that we will return to him someday. I believe that through Joseph Smith the true gospel was restored on this earth in the Latter-Days, and if we follow the teachings, we can too live with our Heavenly Father again. I believe that I am being sent where I am meant to be....and I believe in this gospel more than anything in this universe. That is why I am serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.


My name is Sister Maddie Morris. I'm a sister, a daughter, and a friend. I'm a future sister missionary serving in Baltimore, Maryland. 
I am a Mormon.



&hearts:
Sister Morris