The matter affects me very much leading to changing of plans, because I am seriously one of those women who's enthusiastically looking forward to serve on a mission granted by opportunity and great desire. I know it is not our responsibility and sisters aren't required to go as much as for the brothers but I really feel the need to go, in fulfillment of some tasks and for more spiritual development too. Personally, missionary work will make me more mature and responsible in preparation for motherhood. :)))))))
Knowing the fact that soon I will already be qualified, I couldn't help but feel a bit pressured though I know I shouldn't in the first place because the declared thing was just an option and that we weren't forced to go immediately just because of the new changes made. The decision will still be based upon personal readiness, sincere prayers and the inspired advice from our respective parents and local leaders.
One of the things that concerns me today is my study. Presently I am in my third year having just one and a half more years left until the graduation. So that will be on March 2014 plus the taking of the board exams on July with results to be announced on late September maybe? Ahhh I will be turning twenty one that time, probably foreseeing I'd leave on 2015? I think that's already too long for me to wait when I can go right away on my nineteenth! Where's the purpose there anyway when the prophet has set lower the age and that I'd still be pursuing on my late twenties! As a matter of fact, across the world where there aren't the same educational systems (here in the Philippines setting we just only have four years in the secondary and after that will proceed to the tertiary level, unlike in the other countries where they have junior and senior high etc.), it will really be inevitable for the able brothers or sisters to leave their college studies first and choose to go if that's the case. Generally the students with ages eighteen/nineteen in our country are already in their college years.
Worried am I, we can never tell what is yet going to happen with the chance and desire after all if I'd set aside missionary work. You know what I mean.. work, perhaps love life (lol), and all that etc. =P We all know that. Haha! So would it be best for me to serve as earlier as next year and leave everything in behind or get my Nursing degree first? Woah. Mind blown.
The second thing is the preparation needed. I am not yet that prepared to carry on. But with months equivalent to a semester, I think that would be enough so I could go on by next year. *CLAPS!!* Had the new age demand revealed earlier, I must have been ever ready than before. I feel for all the young sisters of my age all over the world who also have been planning to serve! We feel the same bolt of joy and shock readily offered right in front of us. We can choose to commit to it now or just let it be until we are ready.
Dunno but I hope the target and tentative date would be on nearly 2013 that fast after this upcoming second semester, or at least before I turn twenty. :P The Lord will provide for me if I'm going to choose serving Him first. I'm too excited for this! Glad to witness the stewardship young brothers and sisters will do and share with to bring forth the gospel! :D
Here's the actual video announcement posted by various church-related fan pages I just saw on Facebook:
P.S. My brother currently serving in the mission field was the first one who encouraged me to go on a mission too as soon as I am ready! Who else would prompt me?
