Called to Serve...

In October 2012, during General Conference, the announcement came that the new age for young men to serve a mission would be 18, and age 19 for young women.  The entire mormon world was freaking out, my family included. I began to cry (I promise I really am not a crier) as I thought about Cole leaving so much sooner than expected. It didn't even really hit me that I could put my papers and leave within 4 months. I never really had the desire to serve and so the age change did not change that. I thought I was supposed to be in Provo. Looking back now, I was so not ready to serve a mission. I wasn't ready to listen to God's plan for me. I kept justifying away the promptings I was receiving about serving a mission. I was trying to convince myself by saying things like "I don't feel I am supposed to serve a mission" and  "I don't want to go on a mission just because I can, or because everyone else is." I was very adamant about not serving a mission. Then the Heavens were opened and I saw an angel telling me to serve a mission. Just kidding... I didn't see an angel, but I did get a glimpse into my future as I attended the Mt. Timpanogos Temple on July 16th. I went to the temple with a question to ponder... "What is my next step?" Mainly, "What am I going to do with school? Where am I going to go? What am I going to study?" Little did I know that as I would leave the temple, I would have a completely different answer then what I anticipated. I called my Dad as Rachel and I were driving back to Provo. As I told him, he said he knew it was coming. It is amazing to me how in tune my parents are with the Spirit. He had a feeling that I would be leaving shortly after Cole. Well Dad, you knew before I did! My mom was at girls camp that week so she had a surprise when she got home! She called me as she was driving home, but I was walking into a concert, so I real quickly told her before hanging up; I gave her something to think about it on the drive home. haha. That probably wasn't the nicest way to do it, but I couldn't wait for her to hear... Sorry Mom! I came home for Cole's farewell and shared my news with the rest of my family and friends and so the journey of my mission began...

August 28, 2013 rolled around as I anxiously awaited the arrival of my "envelope". Trying to make the time pass as I was at work, my friend Chaelyne Cook (in between calls) would hear all about how I couldn't wait to receive my call and were guessing where I might serve. I thought I was for sure staying in the United States speaking English. She, on the other hand, thought I was going to Portugal. As I nervously fiddled my thumbs and spun in my chair, Rachel Schwartz was at Belmont with my mailbox key scoping out the mailman. When he finally came to deliver the mail at around 4:30 P.M. he arrived empty handed. Disappointment set in as I read Rachel's text saying it didn't come. I was so set on it coming that day, I had everything planned and ready to go. I was crushed! Have I mentioned that I am NOT a patient person?! It was such a big let down, I went home and cried into my pillow. This was a big lesson to me: Heavenly Father has a plan and although we may not be aware of it, we have to trust Him in all things, even in Timing. I know that I had to experience this for a reason... although I am not aware yet quite why, I know that it has helped my understanding of timing. His timing is perfect! He knows past, present, and future. Although I was disappointed at the time, waiting was a greater blessing because my testimony of His timing and His plan deepened. The next day, August 29th, the Big White Envelope addressed to Sister Kendal Cornett Thompson from the First Presidency was sitting in my mailbox! I started freaking out at work. (Thanks Rachel for scoping out the mailman again) Luckily, I got off work early, sped home, waited for all my friends and family to arrive, and "Bam", I had been called to serve in the Chile Santiago West Mission! Holy Cow! So not what I expected but I know that is where I am needed and I could not be more grateful to serve the Chilean people. What an amazing opportunity I have to serve my Savior for 18 months. I love this gospel. I love Chile. I love my family. I love my friends.

I have the best support system a girl could ask for