See You In 18

Well guys this is it! I am about to be set apart as a missionary and begin my journey! Thanks for all the love and support! My family will be updating my Facebook and Blog.

T-Minus One Month

Well guys, I am down to a month left until I leave for the MTC. I am so happy. I can't do anything but smile because I know this is what I am supposed to be doing right now.

I am almost finished reading The Book of Mormon, and let me tell you: that book is amazing. I can't believe I get to spend the next 18 months teaching others about it. The Book of Mormon has really great advice, teachings, stories, and many other things that I have been able to apply in my own life as I prepare. It truly is the word of God and what is in there is true.

As it gets closer to my mission date, Satan is defiantly working harder on me. He does not want me to go on a mission and he is doing everything possible to try and stop me from going. But that is not going to happen! Satan knows my weaknesses and he knows what will discourage and distract me from what I should be focused on. It's been hard but when times like this come up, I quickly do something to distract me from his distractions. I usually will pull out my Book of Mormon, read some Ensign articles, or listen to music (church music of course ;)). I know my worth and I know what I should be doing. I often pray for help and comfort, and I know that the Lord is hearing my prayers and comforting.

It's so nice and comforting to know that I have family, friends, and ward members that I can turn to, to support me and help me focus on preparing to leave. I thank you all for that. Thank you for all the love you show me, I am truly, forever grateful for that! That also means that you all must write me while I am serving!!

A Bike Riding Kinda Mission!

Last week, my mission president President Alba sent me a package with some more specifics about my mission. And.. I found out that I have to purchase a bike in the field, my mission is a bike riding mission! Now, that's going to be fun.. riding a bike in a skirt? Other sister missionaries have figured out how to do it and so can I. One of the many challenges I will face. I also learned what the Santa Rosa mission's objective is and what I will to do while I am out serving. This mission is for the people I am serving, learn to love them, love yourself, and love your companion.

I just can't wait to get out there and serve!! :)

                          

My mission covers all the yellow area.

Preparing For More Missionaries

Found this video and it features my mission president, President Rene' Alba and his wife Sister Alba! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ki7qFns2rs

Dear Sister Harston

On March 14, 2013 I went out to my mailbox, and in there was my mission call! I grabbed it and all different types of emotion just over took me. I was so excited that it finally came. I became nervous as to where I was going to be spending the next 18 months of my life. I became stressed out because what if I was going to leave very soon. Above all of this, a calming feeling came over me. I knew that this is what I should be doing and going on a mission is what the Lord wants me to do right now.

I wasn't going to open my call until later that evening, so until I had to get out of the house (I was very tempted just to open it). I decided to go for a drive, to think about everything and prepare myself to open my call.

Around 8:00 that night, my grandparents came over and I also had some friends on the phone to hear where I was going. Opening the envelope my hands were shaking, I could feel the tears coming (I did my best to hold them back) and I read the words:
               
 Dear Sister Harston, 

      You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the California, Santa Rosa Mission. It is anticipated that you will serve for a period of 18 months. 
      You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, May 1, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the English language.

Pure joy and happiness over came me! California was not where I was expecting or hoping to go. But, I truly know this is where the Lord wants me. Somewhere in Santa Rosa someone is waiting to hear the gospel from me, and that makes me so happy!

I have so much preparing to do. I leave in like 45 days! I know what I need to do to prepare and with the help of the Lord I can become an excellent missionary!

The Wait Is On

The wait for my mission call is on! I had the interviews with my Bishop and Stake President this morning, and they said everything is good to send to the Church Headquarters. My Stake President said I could get my call within the next 2-3 weeks.

During my interviews I couldn't help but keep smiling. This is becoming real. I am sure once I get my call it will feel really real. But right now I am just so excited, I just can't hide my smile. I am excited to wait in anticipation, I am excited to hear the guesses where my family and friends think that I will go, and I am most excited for the moment I get to hold that envelope in my hands. I can't wait to see where I will get the privilege to serve, to help my brother and sisters come unto Christ and have this happiness I couldn't go a day without.

I know that this is the best decision I could make so far in my life and what I am doing is pleasing unto the Lord. I just can't wait to get out there and teach. I know I still have many long days of studying on my own, and I pray that what I need to learn will come to me. I am so thankful for all my family, friends, and ward members that are excited for me and that are so supportive during this process.  :)

You're Not Alone

You're Not Alone by Meredith Andrews has definitely been on the repeat these past couple of weeks. Whenever you feel alone, know the Heavenly Father is there and through him, you are never alone. Heavenly Father knows your troubles and your worries, and He cares. Go to Him in prayer and talk to Him. He will comfort you. When it feels as though nobody understands you, He understands you. When temptation is strong, go to Him and ask for comfort. He hears, listens and answers our prayers.


You're Not Alone. He is there. He will wipe away your every tear. He will never leave your side.