Needless to say my life has changed quite a bit in the last few months. I started this school year just like last year. Taking classes, working, trying to be social and all that. It seemed to be going pretty well. Then conference rolled around and I was just wanting to have a good experience, feel the spirit, maybe get some things that I need to do better. But then within the first 15 minutes my life was completely turned upside down. As soon as President Monson announced the age change for missionaries, I got a huge confirmation that I was supposed to go on a mission, and that I was supposed to go NOW! It was completely not what I expected (not that I was expecting anything huge or major to happen). I basically immediately started crying, as did both my parents :)
So after that session was over I talked to my Dad who also happens to be my Bishop in my home ward. We got me started on my mission papers, and I had my interview with my Dad in between sessions on Sunday.
Sunday night we had a testimony meeting with my Mom's side of the family as we do every conference, and 5 of my cousins both announced that they would be going on missions as well. It was really an amazing experience to hear all their testimonies, and that we all can share this experience together.
So that week I got into the Doctor and the Dentist which is crazy because usually you can't get into my Dentist within a day, normally it takes about 2 weeks. I found out that I needed to get my Wisdom Teeth out, which was a bump in the road, but it was okay. I got them out and it really wasn't that terrible.
I got my papers submitted and I got my call within 10 days, on Halloween.
I Sister Benjamin, have been called to serve in the Australia, Sydney mission. I report to the Provo MTC on March 13, 2013.
I skyped in with grandparents and cousins who weren't able to be there. As with everyone else being at my house. It was a really cool experience to be able to share with them.
Then about an hour later we skyped in with my cousin Annie Tanner and she was called to the Perth, Australia mission. That of course is about the distance from L.A. to Boston, but we both go to the MTC on the same day. So that will be fun :)
I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the Lord for 18 months of my life. Australia will be amazing, and I couldn't be more excited for the opportunity to bring people to the gospel.
Then another wonderful blessing, I am going to go through the temple on Saturday with my Cousin Annie and our families. I am so glad! The temple is the most amazing place and this is what I have been preparing my life for.
I know that just as President Monson said, God really is in all the details. I have been prepared to serve my mission. I can't even count the many ways I have been prepared for this and I am so grateful. I am so thankful for wonderful parents who immediately jumped on the ball for my mission as soon as I did. I am also very grateful for my Sister Ashley, who helped show me that God really does care about us and wants the best for us, and that he really does have a plan for each of us. I love this gospel and I am so grateful to share the Gospel with the People of Australia. :)
