Never the same

2 years ago, February 20th 2013, I left my family and everything I had known and entered the MTC. I entered with 3 suitcases full of all I could take of my life and left the rest behind. I went through a room full of tables and was in a daze. I got my name tag, and put it over my heart, devoting myself to it's message for the next 18 months. I was a deciple of Jesus Christ the son of God, I was called of Him to declare His word among His people that they might have everlasting life. (3 nephi 5:13)The day was finally here! The MTC was buzzing with Elders and Sisters shouting "welcome to the MTC" and all I could think was how excited I was to be a missionary and how scared I was because I had no idea what I was doing. Little did I know that my whole life would be changed forever. I am so grateful for that day, I chose to take a giant leap of faith and enter the missionary training center. A place where angels walk the hallways. The spirit had never been so tangible to me. I wasn't crying because I was sad, I was crying because of the overwhelming feeling of the spirit. We went to an orientation meeting and began to sing "armies of Heleman" I had sang it the same way my whole life. But this time instead of "we will be the Lord's missionaries" we sang "we are now the Lord's missionaries" the change of 2 words hit me like a ton of bricks. I was officially the Lord's missionary! I had the sacred opportunity to wear Christ's name on my heart for the next 18 months. That night as I went to sleep I felt overwhelming joy, and a confirmation that I was where I needed to be. 

That day changed my entire life. I am so grateful for the decision I made to go on a mission and serve the Lord. I wouldn't trade that time for anything. I am grateful for the things I learned and the people I met. But most of all I am grateful for the relationship I gained with my Heavenly Father and my Savior. I will truly never be the same.