Serving a mission

     Ever since I was a young woman I always wanted to serve a mission. I felt it was something I needed to do, but I thought I had a few years still ahead of me before I would do so. When the age changed in October last year, men being able to serve at 18 and women being able to serve at 19, I knew it was my time to accomplish our Lord's work. I filled out my papers in 2 weeks, and a week and a half later I received my call! Washington Kennewick, Spanish speaking, February 27, 2013. The unique blessing this age change brought to my family was that my older sister Ashley (who is only 18 months older) was able to submit her papers the same day, receive her call the same day, and also report the same day as me! 

Funny thing is we never planned to both be serving at the same time, we both felt prompted that NOW is the time. We both happened to start filling out our papers without each other knowing, until we both had made an appointment with our bishop, and then our mom blurted it out to each of us ;) haha But when we had to go to the dentist... Man that was stressful! There were no openings available for a few weeks, let alone an appointment for 2 people... But some how things were made possible. I had my cavities fixed and was ready to meet with the stake president. My poor sister still didn't have an appointment for the dentist and we didn't know if she had any cavities! I was still going to submit my papers either way, I couldn't wait any longer... Well funny enough, 2 days before my visit with the stake president my sister was able to go to the dentist, and in some magical way she had NO cavities! THIS was a miracle!! And this made the whole process of (not intentionally) submitting our papers together possible. 

WELL... That's right... TWO actual sisters, no not twins, sisters, will be serving at the same time! This was a blessing in disguise because my sister and I are inseparable. The next unique blessing is that my younger brother Austin will be able to serve his mission this year in October... OH MY GOSH!!! 3 siblings out at one time?? YES it is possible :) and then my other brother Garrett will be serving once my sister and I return home. And then once the 5 years of all 4 of us siblings having served is over, it will be our youngest brothers turn, Blake. THESE little things are blessings that will effect my life forever. 

     If you ever feel a little twinkling in your heart when you hear the word "mission" or "missionary" then the Lord is hinting for you to serve a mission! No not everyone needs to serve, and no one is looked down upon for not serving, but if you have a desire to serve a mission then our Lord will make it possible. If you are unsure about serving, then pray, fast, read your scriptures, attend the temple, and listen for an answer. May it be little or big, you will receive an answer. Serving a mission has been on my mind for a few years. Now actually having my call and looking back I can see all the little answers that were given to me. Our Lord will never turn down a worthy and able young man or woman. Prepare now, your day is soon to come, and in a case like mine(and many others) it will come sooner than you think :)

     I look forward to entering the MTC in 26 short days, and seeing all the amazing boys and girls who attended the call. THIS is truly a rare and marvelous generation. Good luck to those who are serving or waiting to serve a mission. I feel this is not a sacrifice, rather a blessing, taking the next step to teach others and ourselves that we can live in the Celestial Kingdom with our family one day!

-Kelsey Jaeger