Decisions and Personal Revelation

So after 2 long months of studying, praying, and pondering, I have finally come to the conclusion that going back out on my mission is where the Lord wants me to be. Some people were shocked when they heard I was even considering an alternative to a mission. All I have to say to that is we all have our personal trials, and being sent home on medical release from my mission for a second time was a lot harder than it looks. Just like all trials and choices people go through, oftentimes comfort is sought not only through a loving Heavenly Father and the scriptures, but also through family and friends. But the bottom line is, the decision has to come from YOU. If it does not, then no matter which path you take, you will not be truly happy.

                I cannot describe the peace I felt when I finally received my answer. Heavenly Father loves each of us so much and sometimes He withholds answers to our prayers for a reason. We may not know why, but someday we will know and it will make sense. He knows each of us perfectly, better than we know ourselves actually. Therefore, we must trust Him in ALL aspects of our lives and be willing to jump when He asks us to jump and wait when he asks us to wait. I now know for myself that I will be going back out on my mission because I want to; not because I feel pressured to, or feel like I am supposed to, or feel like it is expected of me, but because I want to.  I feel that the Lord needs me back out in Japan and I am prepared to fill that need for the last year that I owe to Him. My first 6 months were more than AMAZING. I now plan to give this last year everything I have and so much more.

                While I was going through all this, I had the wonderful opportunity to talk to a young woman that was also on medical release from my same mission; only she had received personal revelation that she was supposed to stay home and she was happy and confidant with that decision. Sometimes that happens with missionaries. We cannot fully comprehend the wisdom of our Heavenly Father but we must trust it; whether it is concerning us or it is concerning someone else. I would like to share an analogy I found online that concerns early return missionaries.

In the military, the view of completing missions and of wounded comrades is quite different from our view of similar situations in religious missions. If soldiers rush into battle and are wounded on their first mission or 50th mission, they are treated the same. They are given medals. They are applauded for their service, no matter how long. Their brothers and sisters at arms risk their own lives to rescue and restore those soldiers to their homes. No one looks at them differently. No one says, “Well, you didn’t really help the war effort, did you?” or “Toughen up, man. It’s just a bullet.” These brave men and women are honored and respected for their service.

So should it be with missionaries. We were willing to go where the Lord asked. Sometimes we get hurt. All we ask for is acceptance and love. We return with dread, hoping our partial offering will still be acceptable to those we care about most. My hope is that every missionary will be loved and respected. With your understanding and support, it can happen.

No matter who it is; just express love and support for any and all missionaries who return from the mission field, whether it be after the usual 2 years/ 18 months, or if it be shorter. That is all we need; love and support.                 

Missionary work is amazing and fulfilling. It changes your life when you spend every day focused on others, serving others, and teaching others about Jesus Christ. I have enjoyed my mission so much and cannot wait to continue it. I will be home for another month or so to continue getting my foot back into tip top shape but I am going back. I am excited to see the amazing fellow missionaries I have befriended, my spectacular mission president and his wife, the humble and sweet people of Japan, and the feeling of being reimmersed in the Lord’s work of Salvation. This gospel is true and I cannot wait to continue sharing that to my brothers and sisters in Japan.