The First Post of Many

Today I just wanted to make my first post on this blog that will become my only communication with you for the next year and a half.  I will write of joys and triumphs and I'm sure sorrows and failures, but mostly I will just write about my life as a missionary.  I decided to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in October of 2012, when the age was lowered from 21 to 19 for sister missionaries.  I knew immediately that I wanted and needed to go even though I never had before.  Since my decision to go, my life has certainly been a roller coaster!  Firs was all the paperwork and appointments before my call.  When I received my call in November over Thanksgiving break it was amazing.  My Mom woke me up walking into my room with that big wonderful envelope and I just broke into a huge smile.  I didn't feel nervous at all about where I would be going just so excited!!  When I read Belgium and the Netherlands speaking Dutch I was so surprised but completely content.  I knew that that was exactly where I had wanted to go all along and it felt perfect.  From that point I went back to school and started all the paperwork for visas and passports, appostilles and new birth certificates.  The list goes on and on and on, BUT fortunately I got it all done.  Then was my preparation to go to the temple in December which by far is one of the best experiences of my entire life.  Then lots of working and saving money, buying clothes and luggage, preparing talks, and hosting a farewell.  It was all wonderful but lots of hard work.  I do have to say though that through this short amount of time, less than half a year, I can't believe the growth in testimony I have had, and that's just the preparation!  I can't wait to see what I learn on my actual mission!  I have grown to truly trust in my Lord and Savior more than I ever have before.  This process has seemed impossible on many occasions and it has never been easy BUT it has ALWAYS been possible.  I have a true testimony that the Lord will provide.  I am astounded at the generosity and love of those I know.  Never did I expect the blessings in many different forms that I have received from all those I know.  I just want to let you know, that YOU have made this possible.  Thank you for being the Lord's hands in my life and making this amazing experience a possibility.  I just want to wrap up here by saying that I know with all that I am that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is truly God's gospel restored to the Earth in it's fullness. Our Savior and Redeemer lives and loves us more than we will ever comprehend.  I am so eternally grateful for this opportunity that God has given me to share my knowledge of the Savior and His gospel with our brothers and sisters in Belgium and the Netherlands who are seeking light and truth.  This will be the adventure of a lifetime I look forward to enjoying every minute of it!

Love,

Sister Mizell