MISSION CALL!!

On July 24th, Pioneer Day, I received my mission call. It was 
the looonngest day of my life. But I am going to...drum roll please... "Sister Brannelly you are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the MÉXICO, AGUASCALIENTES mission"! WAHOOOO! Spanish speaking! (I really wanted to learn Spanish) Provo MTC! I could not be any happier. A few Facts: It is smack dab in the middle of México, It is a new mission- used to be part of the León Mission, They just started sending LDS American Sister Missionaries to México, and It looks beauuuutiful.

The Call is here!

After I opened my call!

Mission Age Change... Say Whaaaaaaaaa?

In October of 2012, the LDS church had the semiannual General Conference where President Thomas S. Monson announced the eligibility age change for the missionaries of our faith. Young men once going at 19, are now able to go at 18 and young women once going at 21, are now able to go at 19. 19!!!! Okay honestly I was freaking out a little bit. Just a little. I looked over at my mom who was welling up with tears in her eyes. I was just in shock. At this point I was just about to turn 18 so I knew I had some decisions to make. Overwhelmed with emotion, I put the idea on the shelf knowing that I had put in all of my college applications and was trying to decide on which school to attend fall of 2013. ‘One decision at a time’ I thought to myself. After praying to my Heavenly Father numerous times and talking to my parents, I continued my decision making. After not feeling great about any schools that I had already been admitted to, I continued in prayer, conversations with loved ones, and attending the Temple near my house. On the morning of the April 2013 General Conference saturday session, I knelt in prayer with a contrite spirit. Asking for comfort in my decision to go to college and that something said in conference would give me this. I rose from my knees and was immediately hit with the Spirit so strong telling me that I needed to go on a mission ASAP. Wow. Okay yeah I was not expecting that. I had put the situation in the Lord’s hands and I was willing to do whatever plan that my Heavenly Father had for me. Tears welled in my eyes. I quickly pulled up the mission change video and continued to feel the Spirit testify to me that this what I am supposed to do. I read a few scriptures from the Book of Mormon and I just knew. I am being CALLED TO SERVE. I came downstairs, told my parents, and explained to the missionaries that we were having over for breakfast that morning as to why I was crying (slightly awkward…haha). I had never felt at peace with a choice so much in my life. This feeling continues to grow and burn within my heart as I continue to prepare. I just finished my papers and will be submitting them soon. I could not be more excited, more anxious, or happier right now. This is what I am supposed to be doing. I know not every girl goes and they are under no obligation, but I have an opportunity to share with the world why I am so happy and what I value most; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it is the only true church. I am not going to pass this up. This new age change is perfect. I will attend school afterwards and that IS going to happen. I cant wait to get my call. Heavenly Father answers our prayers. He answers them through the Holy Ghost (the Spirit I was talking about above). Christ suffered for our sins and came down to set the perfect example for us all. They are 3 separate beings. For more info about my religion and my decision to serve a mission visit http://www.lds.org/