Transfer News

We wake up. Elder Chandler rolls over. Whispers, “transfer news is out.” I’m half conscious trying to remember what day it is. Oh yeah, it’s Monday. Wait a minute… that’s when the realization came. They chose to send out transfer news on Monday rather than the typical Tuesday, quite surprising, and quite frankly no one saw it coming. Needless to say, not much has changed for me. I’ll be sticking it out with the same assignment, companion, and area to the end of my mission as expected. I can’t complain, I’m pretty happy here. I hope that there’ll be opportunities to grow, my only fear is that I’ll keep doing the loop and fail to exhibit growth. But I have faith and hope!

Elder Ellis (my old companion), is now AP so that’s super exciting! Looking forward to working with him again; kinda saw it coming for a bit.

A Great Exercise of my Faith

I haven’t yet written about my journey of learning to align my will with God in regard to college. When I first put in my papers for the mission, my plan was to attend University of Utah immediately after. I went through the steps to differ my enrollment for two years, moved my college credits, and even secured scholarships. I was very confident this was the direction I needed to take. But just as you might guess, that all changed. The roots to my journey of alignment with God can be traced back to my time in Nanaimo eight months ago.

My release date is in September. This doesn’t align with the fall semester. Going home early was essential to make the date. Thus, this was my original plan, however it wasn’t God’s plan which I later came to a knowledge of. 16 months into my mission, time was running out. The decision was speedily approaching, so naturally I was thinking and praying about it more. I remember receiving distinct spiritual impressions that made me rethink my initial plan to go home early. It wasn’t quite clear what I needed to do yet. However, one thing was absolutely certain, I needed to council with President Gill about it. Over and over again, the Spirit spoke to me urging me to speak with my mission President about it at interviews. Once I did, the answer was made manifest and it was clear what I needed to do. I wrote about this experience previously in my letter: “A Touch of Heaven & the Veil is Thin”.

From that day, I proceeded forth with a sure confidence I needed to stay out for the full time God has appointed. I then began to receive new impressions through the Spirit in my supplications to God. He truly does work line upon line. As much as I resented admitting it at the time, God revealed that I needed to attend BYU. When I began my college enrollments for high school, I didn’t even make an attempt to enroll in it; I was so sure at the time, BYU was not where I needed to be. Fast forward, I then received three distinct impressions that indicated that this was His will and path for me. Proceeding that, up until right now I haven’t received any additional witnesses. My faith is being tested, and I must rely upon the direction that God has given me previously. In the same light as Oliver Cowdrey, I must: “cast [my] mind upon the night that [I] cried unto [Him] in [my] heart, that [I] might know concerning the truth of these things. Did [He] not speak peace to [my] mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can [I] have than from God?” (D&C 6:22-23)

I recently began really diving into the application process last transfer. Spending a great deal of time writing the essays and ensuring that they were adequate. And then came the letters of recommendation. The deadline to submit was August 31st, I still had a couple of weeks. I sent one to President Gill and he completed it quite quickly, however I was required to submit one for a core subject in high school. I really felt strongly that my English college course teacher was perfect for it. I did everything I could to get in contact with her. Each method, I would wait days or even a week for a response, but all yielded nothing. Now I find myself with only a week left till the submission deadline. At this point, my faith was increasingly being tested. Worry began to fill my mind, each time this occurred I had to remind myself that if this is God’s will, He will prepare a way. I can be confident that all will work out.

I then felt like it was time to reach out to my video production teacher. At first I was hesitant to have him fill out this letter of recommendation, because I felt that it didn’t fulfill all of the requirements. However, upon pondering more about it, I felt that it just might work. He was quick to respond, and eager to the task; I was so glad. I felt this burden ease. A couple more days continue to pass, as I checked the application I could see that he hadn’t filled it out yet. I began to worry again. At this point we are days away from the deadline. Time was almost up! I sent him another message, to ensure he hadn’t forgotten about it. In response, he shared that he was out of the country and would finish it once he returns on the 30th. I was so relieved.

The letter of recommendation was submitted and that marked my application complete August 31st. I never doubted God, but definitely doubted myself multiple times in the process. My faith was definitely tested: I needed to stick it out and follow through. I’m so grateful everything worked out, and I just pray that I continue to stay aligned with God’s will and be receptive to His promptings.

To whoever reading, I hope that this story helps you stick it out with whatever trials of faith you are facing. Sometimes the hardest part is putting one foot in front of the other not knowing where you are stepping. But knowing that this is the direction that God has set out for you. Have courage. Walk in confidence. He is in our midst.

Reflection

With this transfer ahead of me, we now have social media sisters again. Our job will now be to complete the transition before I return home. Some days, I almost feel like I have a job for the church. It’s been quite an interesting assignment, I’m grateful for the things I’ve learned. Looking back on my missionary service, I’m amazed. This whole experience has been everything I could have ever wanted. Coming out on a mission, I had great aspirations and high expectations for what I wanted to accomplish. I had great desires to use my talents and abilities God has gifted me with for the building up of the kingdom of God. All of these aspirations have been fulfilled, and more! I bear witness that God is incredibly aware of you, He knows your desires and wants to bless you! My mission has been an incredible blessing and testimony to me of His love not only for me but for others. I look forward to seeing what the future holds.