{Bud to Blossom}

   Do you want to know the one the best things that ever happened to me?  Well let me tell you. For 18 crazy amazing, hard months I served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  

Yes....I was one of those people in two's wearing a black nametag and a skirt while trying to ride a bike. You probably saw me and thought I was weird.  

   Missionary Service for our church is completely voluntary.  That means I saved up my pennies for a long time to get there.  It also means I sacrificed 18 months of my school, work, and social life to serve the Lord with all my heart.  Um k, it was the hardest thing ever. Ever EVER ever.  But now that I look back on it, it wasn't a sacrifice at all.  In fact I think I received more blessings by serving than I can ever repay. 

   I think as people we all want to be a blossom.  What do I mean by that?  We all want to be good people and let the goodness in us bloom and permeate!  Before my service mission I considered myself a bud.  Unsure of who I truly was.  Through prayer, studying the life of Jesus Christ, and patience through trials and weaknesses....I now understand who I was made to be.  
    
  Now I have a wonderful husband and a little one on the way........life is pretty good. I will always be grateful for that life changing experience.