Sunday, October 15, 2017

From Maddie's Farewell Talk

I never wanted to serve a mission. It always sounded lonely to me. But I am a singer and I love to perform. During the summer of last year, I decided that I wanted to audition to be a young performance missionary in Nauvoo Illinois. As I prepared, I began to reason with the Lord, explaining why I knew that this would be a good opportunity for me. At some point, I realized that I only had credibility if I really was willing to be obedient. So I changed my prayers, and told the Lord what I wanted for myself, but that if He wanted something better for me, I would listen; particularly that if the Lord wanted me to serve a full-time mission, if He would simply give me the desire, I would go.

The day that I was supposed to turn in my audition for Nauvoo, I had a knot in my stomach and I knew that the Lord had something in mind for me. That was in November, and by January of this year (2017) I had started my mission papers.

That semester was the hardest time of my life and I leaned on the Lord more than I had ever known how. I’m so grateful for the experience I had during that time of my life. In May I submitted my papers, keeping it a total secret from everyone, apart from my immediate family.

I took Spanish in high school, so while expecting my call, I realized how desperately I wanted to go Spanish-speaking. I prayed for the Lord to take away that desire and help me to be willing, but needless to say, when I opened my call I was ecstatic. Regardless of how it turned out, I learned how to be honest my Heavenly Father and show him my weaknesses.

The trials I faced as a part of getting my mission call have brought me so much closer to the Lord because they were HARD. But my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior, not only got me through it, but ultimately lifted me to being the person I am today. He is many different people to me, and I’m so grateful for every role that he plays in my life. 


My Grandma and Grandpa surprised me by coming all the way from 
Mexico (where they are serving a mission) to be here
for my farewell! It was SO fun! 



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