“And this is the account of Sister Sorensen and her companions, their journeyings in the land of Florida, their sufferings in the land, their sorrows, and their afflictions, and their incomprehensible joy.”
Alma 28:8 (changed it up a bit)
“And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing--sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.”Alma 28:14
Out of all the many countless things I’ve learned on my mission. One that stands alone and I will never be able to express enough gratitude for is what I’ve learned and felt about joy. I love those scriptures because though there has been sorrows and afflictions not one can compare to the incomprehensible joy I’ve come to feel.
I wanted to share some things I didn’t expect and a few things I’ve learned. There are lots of things about a mission that I can honestly say I did not expect.
I DIDN’ T EXPECT:
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| Sister Sorensen & Sister Naylor |
I didn’t think I would ever have to get an oil change, I didn’t think I would have to count and calculate miles so I don’t go over at the end of the month, I didn’t think of all the reporting you have to do, I didn’t think I would see other missionaries so much, I didn’t think we would have so many meetings, I didn’t think we would study so much, I didn’t think about how much of the Bible I didn’t know, I didn’t think people would give you weird looks in the grocery store simply because you have a tag on, I didn’t think I would spend so much time at the church, didn’t think I would eat with members so much, didn’t think I’d use so much technology, I didn’t think missionaries would be so normal........I didn’t realize I’d come to love them so much, I didn’t know they would become my best friends, I didn’t know I could learn so much from them, I didn’t realize how much you come to love the people you serve with.
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| Reenactment!! Notice picture in the background and to the right |
I didn’t realize how bad it would hurt when people didn’t accept the gospel,
THE LESSONS I’VE LEARNED:
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| Anicesha |
The lessons I’ve learned on my mission couldn’t be counted. I know right now I will pay tribute to every good thing in my life to my mission. A mission is meant to be lived and to be lived well and correctly. Something out of your heart and soul has to be put into it. You have to shed the skin of uncertainty. Everything you claim to be good or bad at doesn’t matter anymore here. You surrender every bit of you to the Lord.
When I came on my mission I was pretty ignorant.
I was active in the church without being active in the gospel. And the truth is I probably would have (without any thought or real notice) spent my whole life that way.
I would have lived a life far beneath the bar of my potential.
Quickly I learned that there’s nothing I could do with my own strength and understanding and I needed to depend on my Father in Heaven. And I will tell you changing for me hurt. I had years of pride that needed to be stripped. From the moment I hit the MTC, changing hurt. I faced the wall, straight up of all my weaknesses and shortcoming and I was forced to climb it. And I made mistakes.
The call to serve is very humbling. I learned there is nothing greater than learning to rely soulfully and completely on my Heavenly Father. I am now truly able to say I am His because “I have chosen him to be my God.”
I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, I have learned for myself that it will answer unspoken questions and it will allow you to feel understood and comforted. It brings guidance and direction in a darkened world. I know that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth in its fullness, prepared and brought forth in perfect timing. I know all events across history have played into the preparation of this restoration. I testify that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God, that he did see God the Father and Jesus Christ in the sacred grove, I’ve learned that as we sincerely always seek we will be answered. I’ve learned that the Lord always has a way prepared and a lesson given. I know that the commandments are laws of love given to us as guiders and protectors. I know that God Lives, and He loves each and everyone of his children and listens, I know he listens to our prayers. They are answered in His will and His timing. I know that Jesus Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world and that without Him we are lost and because of Him we not only will live again. We will be healed and filled and changed now and in eternity. I have learned for myself that Joy comes through Jesus Christ, it’s found in Him. The Atonement of Jesus Christ isn’t just a result seen in something but rather something felt in someone. He has been healing me and strengthening me in everything everyday.
NOW I KNOW THAT:
“Only God can count the sacrifice, only God can measure the sorrow; only God can know the hearts of those who serve him, then and now.”
He knows me and knows my heart and knows what I have given. I’m not scared to go home because I see it as a wonderful opportunity for progression. And now I know the progress for progression. I have resolved to myself and to the Lord that I will never go home and be who I was, and I won’t go home and even stay as I am. With the Lords hand in my life I’ll move forward, and keep on changinggggg.
I wish I could express all the feelings in my heart of gratitude I have for this time.
Time well spent indeed.
Sister Sorensen🌞
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