MIM: You'll Be In My Heart

I’m not going to attempt to tell you even a tenth of the things that I experienced while I served my mission. This is more of a travel log- where I was, and who I was with, a few of my thoughts on the subject, but most of all- a tribute to all the amazing people I served with (whether I mention you by name or not- you are always in my heart).

In August 2009, I was called to serve in the Missouri Independence Mission. Immediately, when I read where I was to go, I felt it was right. Friends and family (and myself) tried to predict where I would go, but no one was able to guess that. The semester before, I had taken a church history class, and learned all about the LDS church’s past in the Missouri area- I absolutely loved the class, and now I couldn’t wait to serve in such a special place in our church’s history.

I reported to the MTC (missionary training center) in October 2009 (leaving behind someone very special). After only three weeks of training, they shipped me out to Missouri. I was assigned to my first area- the Independence Visitors’ Center and Independence 2^nd ward. http://www.lds.org/church/places-to-visit/independence-visitors-center?lang=eng#d  Although I was not called to serve in the Visitor’s Center, the Lord knew was He was doing. I now, had the opportunity to teach all those who came in the history of the Saints in Missouri. I was blessed to serve in the Visitors’ Center for 4 ½ months, with 2 companions- Sister Michelle Moody (Campbell) and Sister Margo Scott.

In March 2010, I was transferred out to Kansas. I worked in the southern Wichita area of Haysville, Derby, and Rose Hill. Things were very different there, compared to what I had done at the Independence Visitors’ Center. Instead of having a car, we had bikes; instead of spending half of our time giving tours in the VC, we worked all day in our area; instead of living in a little apartment with just my companion and I, we lived with members- the Kinkeads, and their English Bull Mastiff- Nephi. I learned how to ride a bike in a skirt, talk and teach like sweat wasn't dripping down my face, and eat as many (or few) meals we were offered. I first served with Sister Cami Clark, who taught me more than she will ever know- the experiences we had together are too special to share in a blog.

 I was next asked to “become a mommy” and train Sister Mackenzie Love (yes, they put Sister Power and Sister Love together- we eventually just stopped introducing ourselves by name- as it was more of a distraction) But “the Power of Love” (as we came to call ourselves) conquered the Haysville, Derby and Rose Hill area. We shared a friendship and energy that got us through the most difficult times.

 My third companion was Sister Cathryn Powell (Morgan) -our names were just as confusing for people. Of all the amazing things I could say about Sister Powell, I will choose to brag about her amazing skill to not only ride a bike in a skirt, but to ride a bike in a skirt with NO HANDS! This is one of her many skills that I still envy. After 4 ½ months of southern Kansas, the Lord was ready to transfer me.

In August, I made my way to Manhattan Kansas- the “Little Apple” and home of K- State. I was asked to serve in the university branch, which I did with a new excitement. I had wanted to serve in a singles branch since I had been in Independence.  To be able to teach my peers and form friendships with them based on service and love was a dream come true for me. I served in Manhattan for only 3 months, with Sister Kimberly Frandsen. Her optimism and happiness was contagious, and I knew that it had to be the two of us there to accomplish the great work that we did. After 3 months, several thunder storms, and only 1 tornado warning, it was time to move on. I was transferred to Historic Liberty Jail

Even writing about it right now, I am still overjoyed to have served in such an amazing place. I was told on my mission that I should make every area- my BEST area, but Liberty Missouri truly was the most incredible place. http://www.lds.org/church/places-to-visit/liberty-jail-historic-site#d The Lord had plans to make sure I finished my mission strong- with only a few months left, he placed in my path people that I needed. My first was my companion in Liberty was Sister Roo Adamson (Wight). A long lost “bosom friend” from my Independence days, she related to me, encouraged me, laughed with me, adventured with me, and served with a happiness in her heart that I hope to have one day. After our transfer together, her 18 months was up, and I sent her home.

 My next companion was Sister Bethany Maddox, who could only be defined as a kindred spirit. In a matter of a few hours of being together, I knew I had found a best friend, another blessing of my service. The fact that the majority of our clothes matched each other showed how alike we were. She brought a unique spirit to Liberty Jail- as she was a descendant of Hyrum Smith, one of the prisoners kept in the jail with the prophet, Joseph Smith. Her time was short in Liberty and only served there for 6 weeks. Sister Heidi Juergens was assigned to be my next companion. 

Sister Juergens was trained by Sister Love, making her my “granddaughter” in mission terms. Our transfer was full of grandma-granddaughter bonding time, she taught me more than I taught her, and our companionship was bonded by “Love.” She prepared me to go home, as I only had about a month left.

 My final companion came from right across our bedroom (all 6 sisters serving in Liberty Jail live in the same house) Sister Whitney Holbrook. She and Sister Jeurgens just switched beds and closets. Sister Holbrook helped me go out with a BANG by finding opportunities to serve and help others and best of all- dancing in the rain. My last night in Liberty, a thunderstorm came in, and after our nightly planning, we went out and danced in the rain- a perfect way to end the evening (and a mission).

I returned home May 13, 2011 to my family, friends, and future husband, who were all as excited as I was.

Service as a missionary taught me that the Lord knows me personally. He knows what I need and what will help me best to grow. He loves me, and always will. I learned to put my trust in Him. Whatever “wilderness” I may be going through, He has never forgotten about me, but instead is right there, comforting me through His Spirit. He guides and directs my life and I will serve Him with all my heart forever.