The Clock is Ticking...

I just went to my last mission prep class! I've technically been through the class 3 times. The first two times were through my stake, and although I enjoyed them and they helped prepare me for my mission, this third time has helped me the most. It was taught by a man and his wife who recently got back from presiding over the California San Jose mission - it was neat to be taught by someone who was fresh out of the field! Another thing that was different this time was that I actually had my call, and it's become increasingly more important that I know all of this stuff that I need to know!

I fly out Monday evening to Salt Lake City, and I will spend Tuesday with my grandparents who live there, and then I report to the Provo MTC on Wednesday! I'm so unbelievably excited, I can barely contain it! However...I'm stressing out. The pressure is on, and the clock is ticking. I have just 3 days to finish getting everything ready and in order for me to leave, not to mention double and triple checking my list of things I need, and then PACKING it all...oh boy. Time to buckle down and get to work.

I'm very nervous and scared about this experience...I'm scared about having a companion 24/7, I'm scared about learning Cambodian, and quite frankly, I'm scared to open my mouth to complete strangers and share with them the most precious thing in my life. BUT...I know that the Lord will support me, help me, and guide me as I serve Him, especially once I've been set apart. I just have to put my trust in Him and have the faith that He will fill my mouth as I open it. He's promised me and every other missionary that, and now it's time for me to have faith and act on it.

Despite my fears, I'm immensely excited for this new chapter in my life. I know that I'm doing what my Heavenly Father wants me to do, and that He has been preparing me and continues to prepare me for this moment. I want to do this for Him, for myself, and so that I can share the true joy and peace that comes from living the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Not to mention that this work is important to the salvation of each of God's children! Tonight in mission prep, we read this scripture in 2nd Nephi:


"Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth.

Behold, he offereth himself a sacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto none else can the ends of the law be answered.

Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah, who layeth down his life according to the flesh, and taketh it again by the power of the Spirit, that he may bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, being the first that should rise."

- 2 Nephi 2:6-8, emphasis added

These verses really struck me, especially the part I italicized. "How great the the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth" - this is the Lord's work, and I am humbled and grateful to be a part of it.
I may not feel completely and 100% prepared for this, but I know that I'm ready, and that the Lord will bless me as I serve Him. I'm so psyched! Let's do this! HURRAH FOR ISRAEL! ;]

- Justin