Journey back to my Mission

Some of you may know that I was sent home from my church mission quite early. I only served 2 months out of the 18 months before I was sent home. The reason being was due to health issues. I was too sick to be a missionary. I tried to be on my mission as long as I could until I couldn't do it anymore. I have my 2 trainers to thank, Sister Riggs and Sister Hudson for helping me stay out in San Diego for as long as I did. When I arrived home, it was a start of a whole new journey.

When I arrived home, I had no idea what was going to happen. I feared of what people would do or say when they found out I came home. It wasn't easy. I have great leaders, family and friends to support me to get back on my mission to San Diego. The second day I got home, I got a calling in my ward. I was called to be a Youth Sunday school teacher for 17-18 yr olds. I was at first skeptical about it, but I loved the people I taught. I loved every minute of it.

I was instructed to simulate the missionary schedule as close as possible when I came home. It was easy for the first week, then things started to change. Not going to lie, it was super hard to be home. I just wanted to go back to the mission. I doubted and questioned myself whether I would be able to handle going back on the mission. I was lost and confused. I then realized that I didn't have a lot of faith. For Faith and fear don't mix at all. Then that's when I knew I had to work on having faith in Jesus Christ and let Him guide me towards the right direction. For Jesus Christ knows the way and knows better than me.

I have been blessed in working with sister missionaries on the USU campus. I helped teach people about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and see how people came closer to Christ. When I helped the missionaries, it regained my desire and "fire" to go back on the mission. It really has been a blessing from Heaven to work with Sisters' Wunderli, MacMillan, Kruetzer and Campbell. All of them have become really close friends. I can't thank them enough.

I also got the calling to be a worker in the Utah Logan Temple. The feeling to be inside the temple is incredible. That is when I feel the closest to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. That has been the biggest blessing of all for me.

As I was contemplating whether I wanted to go back on the mission or not, I thought of my vision statement of the kind of missionary I wanted to become. My vision has to do with Live. Laugh. Love.

Live: Live in such a way that is pleasing unto God. Live for the people that you are teaching so that they may feel the Holy Spirit testifying to them the truths that are being taught.

Laugh: Laughing is the best medicine. It relieves stress and pain.

Love: Love your mission companions, other missionaries, Mission leaders, the Lord and those people who you come in contact with. Love others so that they may feel the love of Christ through you.

The past 5 months have been quite the learning experience. I learned how to rely on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in all things. I learned how to fully humble myself. I learned how powerful the Atonement really is. Let Jesus Christ enter into your life. Let others help you. For no one can go through life alone. I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ loves your with an infinite amount of love. He loves us all equally.

And I am happy to say that I will be returning to my mission within several weeks. No set date yet. I got my clearance from both of my doctors and church leaders to return very soon. I love the feeling when I triumphed over the hardest trial I experienced.

Live. Laugh. Love.

Love,

Laurel Greathouse