I went in to my stake president to go get my temple recommend a few weeks ago. Before I got into the interview, I found out that it wasn't going to be your typical interview. The stake executive secretary said to me, "We're looking at times to set you apart for your mission. Would July 4th be ok?" Um. What?! I was so confused because typically the missionary is set apart the night before he/she leaves for the MTC. I think the executive secretary could sense my confusion and explained a little bit more. The whole stake presidency would be out of town at a leadership camp the week I leave for my mission. Now on their defense, they didn't know that they'd have a few missionaries leaving from our stake that week a year or so ago when they signed up for this camp. At the same time, I was a little frustrated.
The whole interview I was thinking, "Of course this would happen to me..." I was a little upset they told me this before my interview because I was in shock. This news scared me more than ever. I don't think it's necessarily that I'm going to be a missionary that scared me, but it was that I'm going to be a missionary sooner. I was also pretty nervous about living the mission rules all the time while living at home. It would be hard! I'd need a female companion all the time, I wouldn't be able to do companion study, I wouldn't be able to tract, etc. I came to the conclusion that for the last 6 days at home, I'd only be able to eat, sleep and read the scriptures.
I broke the news to my parents and they could tell I was a little upset about my unique position. My dad ended up talking to my stake president and asking what I can and can't do during my time at home since he will be basically be my mission president before I enter the MTC. My stake president is aware of this rare situation that I'm put in and he's willing to be a little lenient with the rules. Once I'm set apart, I can still do a lot of things as long as the Spirit can be with me like listening to uplifting music, watching G rated movies, etc. I can still be on the internet and use my cell phone but I'll probably try not to use either it if I can help it. The only things that I can't do during that time are go swimming and go on dates. So guys if you want to get in one last date for 18 months, you have 21 days to until I leave ;) Back to the story now! My stake president said that on July 8th at 6:00 pm, I need to start obeying all mission rules. That's something I can handle.
Seriously.
Now that I've gotten used to the idea of getting set apart a few days early, I'm okay with it. My family is going to make my first few days as a missionary the most eventful in the history of missionary work! Seriously though. We're going to have fireworks, go four wheeling at my cabin, see a baseball game, have a missionary shower (like a bridal shower... But for missionaries). My parents pretty much rock and are doing what they can to make the best of this opportunity I have. So anyway, if you see me on Facebook or get a text from me after I'm set apart, don't fret! I'm allowed to. I just needed to let you all know so you don't make any unrighteous judgments! I'm excited though! 3 weeks from today! Let the countdown begin!
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