Finally November

It feels so good to finally be in the month of November. I never thought it would come! Waiting to go on a mission has been longer than I anticipated, but I have enjoyed the wait. I feel prepared to go. I mean, I haven't done the shopping yet, but I still feel like I am prepared to be a missionary. I am going to be a very good missionary. I just know it. I can't wait!

Dad read a talk about missionaries, and he said there are four aspects in life a person should improve in to prepare for a mission: physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially.

Physically: Stay healthy and strong for your mission
I exercise about every day, at least three times a week. I run on the tread-mill. I stretch, and I've been practicing breathing while I run. I also have been trying to eat healthier. Instead of eating chips with my sandwiches, I eat apples and carrots. I've been trying new foods and vegetables....

Emotionally: Know your weakness and how you deal with emotional stress:
Blogging has actually been very helpful. Writing in general, really. It helps me get my feelings out. And, of course, praying and knowing that I'm loved helps me deal with my emotional stress.

Spiritually: Become knowledgeable about the scriptures and strengthen your testimony
I've memorized the purpose of a missionary, D&C 4, and I've read Preach My Gospel. (I love Preach My Gospel!) I pray every day, several times a day, and I have personal scripture study and I study with my boy friend on Sundays. I am also taking Missionary Prep class for the second time.

Socially: Feel confident to talk to others
I ride the bus from Dee Events Center parking lot every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and I have this goal to meet someone new each time. It's really fun. I talk to interesting students, each with different dreams and reasons for going to school. Also, working at the Writing Center gives me a lot of confidence to talk to others.

I have prepared in other ways, too. I have the red luggage. I am more confident in my looks, and I'm not really afraid to say what I feel anymore. I've been learning to play the piano...!

Prepare, prepare, prepare!

That's what I've been doing for the past five months. It's also been fun to have this free time to hang out/ talk with friends I haven't seen in a while, try new foods, new experiences, learn to play the drums and take risks.

I feel ready for my mission. It's getting closer. I'm getting more and more excited to go! HAPPY NOVEMBER!