The Call, in video!

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My Calling in Life!

How did I decide to serve a mission? Well let me tell ya!

It was March 19th 2013...

I had just traveled to Brussels with my college debate team, we competed in an International Forensics Association competition and I won 5 place in on of my events, which was STELLAR!

Anyway... I was sitting on an airplane, surrounded by strangers, miles above the Atlantic Ocean. Everything was going as expected but suddenly something changed. It was almost as if the plane had run into jell-o, spiritual jell-o.

I felt an over whelming feeling that when I got home I was supposed to meet with my bishop and begin my mission papers. I had never really thought of serving a mission before. If you asked me a year ago I would have given you an adamant NO. Then President Monson announced in October of 2012 that boys could go on missions at the age of 18 after completing High School, and that young women could go on missions at the age of 19. 

Many girls were so excited to serve missions and hopped onto the "I'm serving a mission" train. I didn't really want to be one of those people, but I prayed about it. I felt like it was not in my plan, or at least my right then plan.

Even if you asked me in February 2013 I would not have pictured myself serving a mission...

But there I was above the Atlantic Ocean and I felt impressed more then ever that there was someone who needed my help, and that I needed to do everything I could to help them.

The next Sunday I met with my Bishop and told him my feelings and he then had me schedule an appointment for the following week. The next week I went and we discussed the process of filling out my papers, then he recommended me and I could begin my papers!!

I was on my spring break and had gone down to St. George with a group of friends, but that did not hold me back. Within the week everything was filled out and I had appointments set up with my doctor and dentist. I couldn't believe what I was doing but it felt more right then anything had ever felt right before.

I wanted my decision to be a surprise to everybody so I kept it to myself and my Parents, there was no way that I could have filled out my paper work without them, not to mention the emotional support they were to me. 

Although my decision felt right it didn't come without trials! Boy was it tough! Within those first few weeks I had some difficulties with my Debate coach due to some misunderstandings, my car broke down about half an hour away from my apartment at college, and I occasionally felt like I was not prepared, or that I couldn't be a missionary. But I kept pushing forward with faith and knew that the Lord would bless me, and boy was I right!

I began to study the scriptures more, and with that my mind became more clear during my school studies. I was able to remember content from my classes more then I thought I ever could. I began to go to sleep at 10:30 and wake up at 6:30, I thought that I would be really tired from this but I have actually had more energy. Although there are stumbling blocks I have began to realize how I can use them as stepping stones, and I am gaining more of an appreciation for this gospel each and every day.

I have also had amazing and wonderful experiences. I had the opportunity to go to the temple and I learned more then I ever thought that I could, and the day after I had the chance to go to my best friends sealing. I don't think I have happy cried so much in my life time!

Then I was FINALLY able to open my call! I'm going to Florida Jacksonville and I leave on July 10th which is 9 almost 8 weeks away! I'm so excited and blessed!

This weeks lesson to be learned is let go and let God, everything is better his way any way!

Love,
Afton Michelle

The Next Adventure pt.2

Sick of the anti-climactic ending of my next adventure pt.1? Well you need to look no further for the ending! It's here! It's finally here and I can not be more excited to share the news with everyone!