Why I'm leaving for a year and a half.

"2 The light and the life of the world, a light which shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not; 3 Who so loved the world that he gave his own life, that as many as would believe might become the sons of God. Wherefore you are my son; 4 And blessed are you because you have believed; 5 And more blessed are you because you are called of me to preach my gospel-- 6 To lift up your voice as with the sound of a trump, both long and loud, and cry repentance unto a crooked and perverse generation, preparing the way for the Lord for his second coming." -Doctrine and Covenants 34:2-6


When I came across this, I knew I had finally pinpointed a reason as to why I was actually going on a mission. I'm not going to delay school or dating, or to get out of Provo, or even just to take a break from life. This most definitely is not taking a break, and I'm learning it's going to be a bigger sacrifice than I thought. I've always had such a strong desire to serve and now have fully committed myself--with no backing out now. 


Which was why I really appreciated "Who so loved the world that he gave his own life." Christ came down and dedicated his entire earthly life to the Father. 18 months really isn't a big deal. However, I didn't really think of the self-sacrifice I actually had to make when I turned in my papers. I knew I'd be leaving for awhile, but I just figured there's been hundreds of thousands of missionaries that have done it, so I would obviously have no problem. HA.


It's funny how I've subconsiously grown a lot closer to people that I now realize I will miss. As of now, I'm convinced this is my biggest sacrifice. I absolutely hate saying goodbye...I could maybe never see these people again. But it's given me a lot of comfort repeating the quote by President Hinckley in my head that I literally have to tell myself daily:


"You will come to know that what appears today to be a sacrifice will prove instead to be the greatest investment that you will ever make."


I know the next year and a half will change my life. Not only will it change my life, but it will change the life of my the man I someday will marry, our future kids, and especially the people I teach. I couldn't imagine having an opportunity present itself like this--and not jumping at the chance. Because everything in life is worth the wait if it has anything to do with the Lord's work. When these next two weeks are up, and all my "fun" is out, I'm putting my personal life in a small, little box in the back of my head. Of course I'll get homesick, but plowing through is my only option, with my head being completely immersed in missionary work. 


Bring it on.