Why? I'll tell you.

Sister A. challenged me, before I left the MTC, to write down what I learned from being at the MTC, WHY I think I was sent there at this time.

Why? Why did the Lord impress me so strongly to serve if He knew I might not be able to finish it out? 

The answer is that I needed to be at the MTC at the time I was there, to meet the people I met and to learn specific lessons. 

Being at the MTC is hard. Serving a mission is hard; a lot harder than I expected. Everybody says it's hard, but you don't really comprehend the extent of it until you experience it for yourself. Plus, everybody goes into their missions with different aspects of spiritual understanding, and thus no two people on their missions experience exactly the same trials. 

After reading over my journal entries from my time at the MTC, I know exactly why I needed to serve. I reported on Septemeber 10th with a fearful, hesitant heart, clinging too tightly to things and people back home. In 2 Nephi 31:13, Nephi urges us to follow the doctrine of Christ with FULL PURPOSE OF HEART. We read that entire chapter multiple times as a district, because it truly shows us our purpose as missionaries: to invite people to come to Christ.

I realized then that I did not have full purpose of heart. It hit me hard, and I began to pray and plead with God that He would change my heart, that I would feel excitement for this work, that I could have an eye SINGLE to the glory of God. Similarly, Doctrine & Covenants section 4 talks about how serving with full purpose of heart, thrusting in your sickle, and having an eye single to the glory of God qualifies us for the work.

What is the glory of God? "For behold, this is my work and my glory - to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man." (Moses 1:39) Having an "eye single to the glory of God" therefore means being completely focused on inviting others to come to Christ, internalizing the very thing for which God lives and strives every day. I prayed earnestly that I might have this glory burning within my own soul. 

Heavenly Father of course answered my prayers, but not without trial. "Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith. Nevertheless - whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day." (Mosiah 23:21-22)

I came to the MTC to realize that I needed to strengthen my faith. I learned this very personally merely two days after reporting, when my Sister Training Leader let me cry all over her. She gently but firmly suggested that maybe the problem of the situation lay not in the outside circumstances, but rather inside myself. She said I needed to have more faith in God.

Once again, I was chastened. I think we all think, when we (those of us who decide to serve) get our call, that OF COURSE we have faith! Of course we believe in Christ! Why else would we want to serve a mission? Well, maybe that fiath is strong enough to get us out serving, but in order for it to sustain us all the way through - at least in my case - the Lord needs to try and strengthen it. But you can't improve on something unless you know it needs improving.

It's hard to have faith when things - people, blessings, knowledge - are so inconsistent. Sister K. said that if she were me, she'd just keep praying and reading scriptures and focusing on the work. 

One important discrepancy that I have grown familiar with is the difference between believing IN Christ and BELIEVING Christ. It's entirely possible to understand that Christ took the whole world's sins and afflictions upon himself, and yet still entertain a sorrowful heart because one doesn't believe it extends personally, to ME. We must INTERNALIZE Christ's Atonement. We must believe Him when He says it will turn out alright in the end, and that he knows what we're feeling.

So I started praying to be able to recognize the Lord's hand in my life, that I might be able to feel and know of his love for me personally.

Not everything I learned at the MTC was internal, however. A HUGE part of adjusting to missionary life for me was adjusting to having a companion. I've always been rather independent and headstrong, not liking to relent to other people's ways of doing things. I thank the Lord that He blessed me with a companion who saw things differently than I did, and with whom I frequently disagreed. By the time companionship inventory rolled around each Sunday, I was able to clearly pinpoint that I:

a) needed to develop more patience,

b) needed to be more submissive and tolerant of others' ideas and opinions, and

c) that since I wasn't having too hard of a time with learning Russian, that I ought to be unselfish and focus on helping Sister O. learn Russian.

I decide that first Sunday to try to put myself aside, to always ask Sister O's input when deciding what to teach or study, to truly inquire and care about her spiritual and emotional well-being. That Sunday we also watched a prerecorded devotional called "The Character of Christ" by David A. Bednar. He spoke of turning outside of oneself when the natural man would turn in, and so I decided to try it out with my companion.

I do believe it worked. We got a lot closer and she became more carefree and willing to share her unique spiritual insights with myself and the rest of the district. I love Sister O. and hope she is doing well with the recent changes.

But all of this was a process. It continued to get harder throughout my second week at the MTC. Although I tried to embody charity, sometimes being in the MTC just gets to me. There are a WHOLE lot more rules than I expected. They range from as simple as, "no chewing gum" to more obviously protective rules such as "no playing football." I came into the MTC WANTING to obey all the rules, but truly, there are SO MANY! Some I understood, but others I felt were unfair. Why could we play soccer and volleyball during gym time, but no Ultimate frisbee? My companion loved playing volleyball during gym, so I accompanied her to whichever court she went to. 

That doesn't mean I played, though. Gym time is meant for relaxing and forgetting all the stresses of being a missionary, yet during gym time I felt more stressed than ever. None of the tings that would relieve MY stress were allowed: playing piano (have to stay w/ your companion), bicycling (no, indoors doesn't count), swimming (for obvious reasons), even appreciating Mother Nature from a few feet off the ground. NO CLIMBING TREES. (For the record, I was wearing pants, not a skirt.)

I was terribly frustrated. Yes, I knew I had to give all of myself to the Lord, but truly ALL of myself? Al the other missionaries were able to retain a smidgen of themselves through volleyball and whatnot during gym time. I could not. 

I felt like the Lord was demanding more of me than of everyone else. I just wanted a moment to myself each day, but Heavenly Father would not allow it. He demanded that I serve him monetarily, physically, intellectually, spiritually, AND emotionally. ALL OF ME.

I was in this state of turmoil - trying to reconcile myself to giving literally ALL to the Lord - on Saturday night. I found some scriptures on sacrifice and chastening, but still, my mission scripture stuck out to me. (Mark 8:34-37)

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it.

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?"

That personal study on Saturday evening was a harrowing experience, as the Lord reminded me QUITE visually and viscerally that I ought to give him all, that of whom much is given, much is required. 

After many tears, I asked Elder K. from my district for a blessing. It was the first time he'd ever given a priesthood blessing (which I didn't know until I asked him), and it was such a privilege to see his humility and purity and gratitude for the opportunity to exercise his priesthood. I love the elders in my district so much. They have a fervor and virtue and SINCERITY in their eyes that a lot of returned missionaries I've met have lost. As another sister said later that night, the Spirit was RAGING. Elder K blessed me with peace, and that as I brought others to Christ, so too would I bring myself to Christ.

The next day was Sunday, the Ogden Temple re-dedication. We missionaries were privileged to be able to participate, something I've never done before. It was all the more special for me because I actually had the opportunity this summer to go through the open house and see the renovations myself. Although the dedication was a new experience, the Spirit and clarity I received were familiar and strong.

I realized that Sunday that the tipping of my life this summer was June 27th, when I decided to fully and EXACTLY live BYU's Honor Code. I was fed up and done with making excuses and ALMOST measuring up, and just sliding by. On June 27th my life immediately changed. The Lord blessed me with amazing opportunities, peace, support, and revelation. All of this simply because I made up my mind to be obedient.

 Okay, then, I thought in the MTC on Sunday. The Lord wants all of me? Fine. Wonderful! I'll give all of myself to Him, no holding back. No longer will I wonder why we have a particular rule. NO longer will I join in complaining about skirt length or staying within sight and sound of my companion. I am done clutching to the vestiges of my selfish heart. I gladly let the Lord cut me down, because I know He does i tout of love, so that He may cultivate me to become more like Him, like the queen He formed me to be.

So starting Sunday night, I went to bed at 10:30 PM, even though I hadn't written much in my journal, because that is what the schedule said so that is what I did without question. I knew then that my life was about to change. I expected the Lord to bless me SOMEHOW for my obedience, even though I didn't yet know how.

But the very next day we went to the doctor about my legs, and three days later, I was released from full time missionary service.

People ask me, how can you be so calm? How can you be so happy? Because:

a) I already went through the self-evaluation and chastening while I was in the MTC, and am at peace with myself and the Lord now,

b) I knew change was coming, and the fact that my life changed so drastically so quickly after I decided to give myself to the Lord is evidence to me that the Lord loves me, that I am where He wants me to be, and that He is always waiting to bless us. Finally, 

c) I received personal revelation that this is what He wants for me right now. 

When this all started on Monday, and the doctor mentioned the possibility of me going home, I knew there would be a decision to make. I prayed fervently that the Lord would bless the doctors and MTC leaders with the knowledge of what is best for me at this time. I even tried to fast, when our district when to the temple on Wednesday morning to do an endowment session. I prayed to receive revelation in the temple of what I ought to do, that the Lord would make His will known to me. I received a very clear answer.

I got a bloody nose in the middle of the endowment session and had to leave. Even though I had good intentions, I wasn't physically capable of serving in that capacity. The Lord works in parables, in metaphor, and I recognized what He was trying to tell me: that He was thankful for my desire to serve, but that I needed to go home.

So no, I'm not really upset. I feel calm and at peace and confident that I am doing the Lord's will. I know He answers prayers. I have seen His hand in my life; I know He loves me and looks out for me. I know we have a great duty to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all the world, living and dead, and that He blesses us for our recognition of and sacrifice for the work of salvation. I have faith that all will be made known to me in time, but for now I am content to be at home. 

Sure, I miss my Russian family at the MTC, and everyone else I met there, but it doesn't haunt me. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the true church. I know Heavenly Father loves me as much as He loves every single one of His children. He wants us to return to Him, and the only way is through Christ. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. 

Called to Serve

Well, this week has been interesting. I only have about 15 minutes left so this might be short but oh, well.

This week I learned a lesson about obedience. All my life I've been particularly hot-headed when I don't agree with something, especially rules that I found arbitrary, unnecessary, or unfair. Earlier this year when I was living in BYU approved housing, I was having a rough time keeping the honor code, and brought a lot of trials upon myself.

Once I made up my mind to exactly live the Honor Code, my life improved drastically. That very day something happened that blessed my life exceedingly. But I know that Heavenly Father blessed me with that opportunity because I decided to be completely and humbly obedient. 

Here in the MTC there are quite a few more rules than the Honor Code, or even than the White Handbook. I tried to keep a humble heart coming into the MTC by ensuring that all my clothing fit the guidelines, and by making sure I followed the packing list to exactness. But there were a few things that irked me about being in the MTC, mostly about gym time.

Gym time is not my favorite time. On Saturday I decided to climb a tree and study flashcards while my district played volleyball. Needless to say, one of the gym supervisors told me to get down. I got down but was quite upset. I thought it was unfair that everyone else was able to relax and do something for themselves during gym time, but not myself. 

I prayed and read my scriptures intensely that day, and asked for a blessing. I wanted to figure out how best to give my all to the Lord. The next day, during the temple dedication, I recalled my experience with the Honor Code, and decided to do the same with the rules here in the MTC. I realized that it doesn't matter if I don't understand why a rule is in effect, or if I think it's unfair. I'm here to serve the Lord. So I decided starting Monday morning to follow every rule with exactness. I started to go to bed on time and stopped murmuring about the little rules that are hard to follow.

On Monday Sister O. urged me to go see the doctor here at the MTC about my legs. I thought that they would stop misbehaving once I ate regularly and ate fruits and veggies at each meal, but they still collapse randomly. The doctor gave me some crutches to use at my discretion and scheduled an MRI and a blood test to try and figure out what's causing it.

Long story short, we don't know. There wasn't anything unusual in the MRI of my lumbar spine, which is good in one sense because the doctor was afraid there was a tumor or misplaced disc that was affecting my spinal cord. So that's good. But the blood test - which tested the functions of my liver, kidneys, other random intestines that I don't know the names of, blood sugar, white blood cell count, electrolytes, all that fun stuff - showed that I am a perfectly healthy 19 year old. Which I knew. Except that sometimes my legs collapse. 

So the doctor recommends I go home on medical release so that I can talk with a neurologist and figure out what's causing this because it's been happening since July and hasn't gone away even with full nights of sleep and proper nutrition. I find out later today whether I get to stay or have to go home.

All in all, I know that it is no coincidence that I talked with the doctor on the very same day that I decided to be completely obedient and give my all to the Lord. Saturday was a hard day for me, but I did a lot of praying and reading my scriptures got a blessing from the elders in my district. Sunday I decided to stop murmuring and give all of myself - physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally - to the Lord. Monday I employed that plan. 

There's a Mormon messages video about being chastised by the Lord that I love. It talks about how the Lord knows best, and he cuts us down sometimes because he loves us. We may think we know His plan, but we probably don't, so it's better to just humbly submit and let Him lead us.

Sorry if this letter was scattered and vague and made no sense and wasn't as detailed...

Talk to you all later!

Love,

Sister Maxwell

 

One more thing:

In my text post I said that temple work is not for the living; it's for our ancestors. That wasn't exactly right. Temple work AFTER receiving our own ordinances is for our ancestors. Only AFTER. Okay. Sorry. Just had to clarify that. <3

Week 1 at the MTC!

Hello everyone!

Life at the MTC is wonderfully challenging. I want to hear from you people! Just because I can't EMAIL (except on Wednesday, which is P day), it doesn't mean you can't write me whenever you want, however often you want! Seriously, getting letters from home and loved ones would make this transition a lot easier. I don't want to give my personal email out on here but if you leave a comment on this post, my parents should see it and get in touch with you. Also, DAD (Frank), if you can figure out how to set up a dearelder account for me, you can post it on my blog or facebook and people can "email" me but I'll receive it as a paper letter. Mail time is in the evenings, right before bed, so don't worry about distracting me. It's honestly worse wondering if everyone is still alive D:

My SNAIL MAIL address is:

Sister Serena Kathleen Maxwell

NOV10   RUS-VLA

2007 N 900 E Unit 29

Provo, UT 84602

Anyway, the MTC is pretty great. Yesterday my whole district (6 elders and 4 sisters, including myself) sung at a world broadcasted devotional that Elder Richard G. Scott spoke at. It just happened to be my FAVORITE hymn, Be Still, My Soul. It was absolutely PERFECT for a new missionary. We might even sing in General Conference! Pay close attention for me!

It hasn't really sunk in that we'll be here for 8 more weeks. It still feels like I'm at a BYU camp, except this time I'm the participant instead of the counselor. I really love my district... I was quite sad on Friday evening and the next day at mail time each of the elders in my district gave me a handwritten note to comfort me. These are the kinds of elders in the MTC with me. I love knowing I'm surrounded by people who are devoted to Christ, who expand OUT to love people instead of withdrawing IN. (What habit is that? Habit 1: BE PROACTIVE!) 

My companion, Sister O., is DEFINITELY different from me, in almost EVERY conceivable way. I'm learning a lot about just letting things go and forgiveness. Sometimes it's just easier to shut up and let people do things their way (which, in my perspective, might be counter-intuitive or not as effective) than start an argument and lose the Spirit, especially right before a lesson.

Yes, I've taught four lessons already! In RUSSIAN! Also, I can pray and bear my testimony in Russian, now. Honestly, the language isn't really that difficult for me. The Lord had a divine purpose in inspiring me to take Russian last semester, before I got my call. I am so awed by the sisters and elders who have to start from scratch. They've improved SO much. My trials are a little more interpersonal and emotional than language, but everyone has different trials and different blessings. Keep us missionaries in your prayers!

I had the opportunity to go to the temple this morning. We did an endowment session but I wasn't able to do it for one of the myriad names I brought on my mission, because my family names aren't ready for endowment yet. I think this whole mindset of, "You're on a mission to serve the living, not the dead" is bogus. It doesn't say anything of the sort in the Missionary Handbook. If that mindset were grounded in fact, then they'd tell us. They wouldn't schedule us at the temple every week. AFTER ALL, temple work is NOT for us; it is for OUR ANCESTORS. I know that I have people on the edge of their theoretical seats on the other side of the veil, anxiously waiting for me to do their work. The Lord turned my heart to them and I will not forget them just because I'm on a mission. If I have the opportunity to go to the temple, I will try my hardest to do family work.

Yes, this week hasn't been the easiest of my life. However, the challenges I do face are both exciting and spiritual. I know that the Lord answers prayers, even if he waits sometimes until we NEED it the most. I know that there can be no blessing until after the trial of our faith. Through Christ's Atonement I know that I can overcome my doubts and weakness and grow in patience, charity, faith, and hope. 

"And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it." - Mark 8:34-35

I am losing my life in this Gospel because I love the Lord and I know that it is what he wants me to do for my brethren and sisters in Russia. I take up my cross and willingly follow Him.

In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Love,

Sister Maxwell

​

MTC - Day #2

I LOVE THE MTC!  Очень весело!!!  (Very fun)  That's my new phrase ☺   The first class was cool because we reviewed some phrases I already knew, and the teacher only spoke Russian to us.  By the time class ended, I probably understood 60% of what she said.

We (the Russians) have a whole floor of a lesson building to ourselves.  I'm still working on remembering who is in which district/zone/blah-blah, but it's SO FUN just walking around there because EVERYONE is talking & laughing in Russian, and I understand maybe 20%...  RECOGNIZE probably another 50% of the words, even if I don't know what they mean.  It's weird how easily you can tell between newbies and kids who've been here a few weeks.  The latter have much more of a spirit about them.  This really just feels like girls' camp or EFY... zone leaders like counselors.

Anyway that's all I have time for now ...  BUT I LOVE THE MTC, and RUSSIAN!!!

Why do Mormons go on missions?

I answered this question on my tentative mission preparation blog, but it didn't really kick off... so I'm going to post it on here as well:

Q: Why do you feel it's appropriate to try to convince people to join your religion? What is the purpose of religion? Are members of your religion encouraged or expected to teach their children the religion? What is your religion's opinion of parents who allow their children to choose their own religion and expose them to many different kinds?

I'm starting with these questions because they personally are the most relevant to me in this stage of my life, and I feel inspired to answer them first.

What is the purpose of religion? Well, I'm sure there are countless peer-reviewed articles, documentaries, and anthropological studies on this question, so let's narrow it down a bit. What is the purpose of the Mormon religion?

The purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is to help people return to live with God. It does so by:

• providing a refuge from the rest of the world, where we can lift each other up and grow in spirituality (i.e. the weekly meetings we attend),
• gathering God's children through missionary work,
• caring for the poor and needy,
• and "enabling the salvation of the dead by building temples and performing vicarious ordinances." (See lds.org - the Purpose of the Church)

Missionary work is important to me and to the rest of the Church - not because we want to take over the world, or have the most members, or make the most money, or any similarly trite reason - because everybody is a child of God, and everybody deserves the opportunity to hear the truth about returning to Him. It is our responsibility as members of the Church, as people who know the truth, to offer it to those that do not yet have it. 

But isn't that infringing on their personal choice? Why not let people live their lives the way they want to? 

Of course people can live their lives the way they want to! That is the greatest of God's gift to us here on Earth: We can choose everything. We can choose what or in whom to believe. We can choose what we wear, what we eat for breakfast, our attitudes. We (as Mormons) never force anyone to be a part of our church. It goes against our beliefs to force yours.

Nevertheless, we want to offer it to you. Let me quote a chapter from the Book of Mormon that I think illustrates this principle effectively. Bear with me, and I think you will understand our viewpoint a little more. Starting with verse 2:

"And it came to pass that while my father tarried in the wilderness he spake unto us, saying: Behold, I have dreamed a dream; or, in other words, I have seen a vision.

And behold, because of the thing which I have seen, I have reason to rejoice in the Lord because of Nephi and also of Sam; for I have reason to suppose that they, and also many of their seed, will be saved.

But behold, Laman and Lemuel, I fear exceedingly because of you; for behold, methought I saw in my dream, a dark and dreary wilderness.

And it came to pass that I saw a man, and he was dressed in a white robe; and he came and stood before me.

And it came to pass that he spake unto me, and bade me follow him.

And it came to pass that as I followed him I beheld myself that I was in a dark and dreary waste.

And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.

And it came to pass after I had prayed unto the Lord I beheld a large and spacious field.

And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.

And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.

And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.

And as I cast my eyes round about, that perhaps I might discover my family also, I beheld a river of water; and it ran along, and it was near the tree of which I was partaking the fruit.

And I looked to behold from whence it came; and I saw the head thereof a little way off; and at the head thereof I beheld your mother Sariah, and Sam, and Nephi; and they stood as if they knew not whither they should go.

And it came to pass that I beckoned unto them; and I also did say unto them with a loud voice that they should come unto me, and partake of the fruit, which was desirable above all other fruit.

And it came to pass that they did come unto me and partake of the fruit also.

And it came to pass that I was desirous that Laman and Lemuel should come and partake of the fruit also; wherefore, I cast mine eyes towards the head of the river, that perhaps I might see them.

And it came to pass that I saw them, but they would not come unto me and partake of the fruit.

And I beheld a rod of iron, and it extended along the bank of the river, and led to the tree by which I stood.

And I also beheld a strait and narrow path, which came along by the rod of iron, even to the tree by which I stood; and it also led by the head of the fountain, unto a large and spacious field, as if it had been a world.

And I saw numberless concourses of people, many of whom were pressing forward, that they might obtain the path which led unto the tree by which I stood.

And it came to pass that they did come forth, and commence in the path which led to the tree.

And it came to pass that there arose a mist of darkness; yea, even an exceedingly great mist of darkness, insomuch that they who had commenced in the path did lose their way, that they wandered off and were lost.

And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree.

And after they had partaken of the fruit of the tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were ashamed.

And I also cast my eyes round about, and beheld, on the other side of the river of water, a great and spacious building; and it stood as it were in the air, high above the earth.

And it was filled with people, both old and young, both male and female; and their manner of dress was exceedingly fine; and they were in the attitude of mocking and pointing their fingers towards those who had come at and were partaking of the fruit.

And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed, because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into forbidden paths and were lost.

And now I, Nephi, do not speak all the words of my father.

But, to be short in writing, behold, he saw other multitudes pressing forward; and they came and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press their way forward, continually holding fast to the rod of iron, until they came forth and fell down and partook of the fruit of the tree.

And he also saw other multitudes feeling their way towards that great and spacious building.

And it came to pass that many were drowned in the depths of the fountain; and many were lost from his view, wandering in strange roads.

And great was the multitude that did enter into that strange building. And after they did enter into that building they did point the finger of scorn at me and those that were partaking of the fruit also; but we heeded them not.

These are the words of my father: For as many as heeded them, had fallen away.

And Laman and Lemuel partook not of the fruit, said my father.

And it came to pass after my father had spoken all the words of his dream or vision, which were many, he said unto us, because of these things which he saw in a vision, he exceedingly feared for Laman and Lemuel; yea, he feared lest they should be cast off from the presence of the Lord.

And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.

And after he had preached unto them, and also prophesied unto them of many things, he bade them to keep the commandments of the Lord; and he did cease speaking unto them." - 1 Nephi 8:2-38

Do you see now? We want to share the gospel with you because we have tasted it, and we know it is good; we know it is of God. It is not out of a selfish desire to elevation or authority that we do missionary work. We do it because we love you. 

And as we love you, even more so do we love our children, and want them to return to God's presence eventually. So we teach them the principles of the gospel as they grow, but encourage them to seek for truth themselves. We do this in the faith that we have the complete truth of Jesus Christ. 

Because my parents have faith in me and faith in Christ, they always encouraged me to search out truth for myself. If I wanted to, I could have attended other church services and my mother would have said, "It's your choice." I remember times when I was tired or lazy and did not want to go to church. I'd go up to my mom with some poor excuse: "My throat hurts :(  I don't think I can go to church today." or, "I have a huge project due on Monday. Can I stay home from church and work on it?" And she never forced me. She told me, "It's your choice, Serena. Do what you feel is right."

I think most other young Mormons can attest to having similar experiences growing up. And my opinion of parents who allow their children to choose their own religion? I think it's great! I am a strong pursuer of truth and knowledge, and will always uphold that search. Nevertheless, I think it's important that parents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints set an example of faith and obedience for their children, and encourage them to do the same. 

I leave in 2 days!

I leave for the Missionary Training Center the day after tomorrow, on September 10th, 2014. I'm crossing my fingers that this whole blog thing will work... I think it will. We'll see what my mission president says. My mom might end up running it, which could be... interesting, but we'll get my emails out somehow!

Also, technically my mission - Russia Vladivostok - is only a part of Siberia in the WIDEST sense. But my little sister keeps saying that she wants to go to Siberia like me, so she can "save the tigers." Okay, darling. You do that!