All right, everyone. I've got a sad but also sort of exciting announcement! I've decided that I'm now going to post a feature every day I can until I've finished the ones I've got, because I decided that I really need to cut down on internet time the last couple weeks before I leave.
I've loved doing this series (shout out to Mo who came up with the brilliant idea and invited me to co-host in the first place!), but I really need to focus on studying and other preparations. I hope that the series has been beneficial to you readers, and that you've enjoyed reading these sisters' stories! I know that I really have.
As of tomorrow I have three more weeks, my friends. :) 22 days from today.
...I'll write about that excitement later!
Without further ado -
Sister Nicole Laudie
Called to serve in the Massachusetts Boston Mission
Did the age change affect you? If so, how long did it take you to decide?
Yes, it did, actually. I was 19 when President Monson announced the age change, and I turned 20 in January, so I get to go a little earlier :)
Here's my decision story (it's a little long, so I'm sorry!):
Well, first off, let me just tell you that I am a planner. I am a questions person, and a details person: I ALWAYS have questions and am looking for details.
Since before high school, and then the years following, I had questions about which high school to go to (I had two options) about my future major, about boys, about some health issues, about which college to go to, about when I should apply to certain programs, about ALL sorts of things. I prayed and prayed and prayed trying to figure out what the Lord wanted me to do with my life, or to understand why certain things were not working out. Not knowing where my life was going for a while was driving me C-R-A-Z-Y!! I felt like maybe the answer was that the Lord trusted me with my time and decisions. But I still felt like I needed a confirmation of those decisions. But I never felt it.
I didn't give up on God. I knew that someday, somehow he would answer me, or help me see they 'why's'. So, I took some questions to the October 2012 Conference. I wrote down 11 or so!! And I prayed that Heavenly Father would help me know the answers to my questions that I had praying to know for over 4 years. I felt strongly that I needed to go down and watch the session (my family was listening to it on the radio upstairs) with my grandma. I was watching, and listening, and then President Monson got up, and made the announcement for the young men. I was ecstatic! My brother could go earlier (he got his call after me, and left January 9th to the North Carolina Charlotte mission)! I truly was NOT expecting an announcement for the young women, so when he made it, I was in complete shock. I started bawling (and I don't cry too easily, so that was big, haha) and the spirit really touched my heart and mind - it said to me, "Nicole, all your questions are answered. You need to go on a mission." So I turned to the list, and indeed, they were. ALL of them: all of the "why's", all of the confirmations, EVERYTHING was answered with one sentence from the prophet and a prompting from God.
I was scared to DEATH about a mission, but I decided to pray one more time. I said, "Father, I know I'm supposed to go on a mission, but when? Now? After I finish this and this and this?" And I opened my scriptures to 2 scriptures that said, "Start now, don't worry about leaving anything behind." I talked to my parents, who supported me (after making sure I wasn't going just because everyone else was, haha), and met with my Bishop THAT night, and started my papers.
It took me no time at all to know, and was the clearest, most powerful answer I have ever received.
I had been feeling like it was time for me to go to the temple, but I was only 19, and not close to marrying anyone, so that was impossible - until the age change. I could receive my endowments!
I understood suddenly why God had led me like he had - He was preparing me, keeping my path clear of things that would take me away from that purpose. Only He knew I would have this opportunity of a mission right now!
I had been feeling like it was time for me to go to the temple, but I was only 19, and not close to marrying anyone, so that was impossible - until the age change. I could receive my endowments!
I understood suddenly why God had led me like he had - He was preparing me, keeping my path clear of things that would take me away from that purpose. Only He knew I would have this opportunity of a mission right now!
I am so grateful that He has plans for us - I know He does. We just have to seek them and endure righteously until He reveals them to us.
Did you always want to serve a mission?
No!!! No, no, no! It scared me!
No!!! No, no, no! It scared me!
I am more of a natural introvert. I do NOT talk to strangers, I don't knock on stranger's doors, I am not a public speaker, and I HATE skirts and dresses. I wear them on Sunday, but EVERY DAY sounded... painful. Haha.
I felt like 21 was so far away there was nothing to worry about, so I never really thought about it, actually. I thought, "Oh, maybe if I'm not married, that'd be a good thing to do", but I was never serious. Of all things I did not want to do, it was go on a mission. Sad, I know!!
But I DID know that ANYTHING God asked me to do, I would. So, when he asked me to go on a mission, I said, "You bet!" and got started. It doesn't scare me anymore (well, maybe a little). I am excited.
So, I didn't ALWAYS want to serve, but the more I learned about the gospel, the more I wanted to share. In the couple of years before the announcement, the gospel had started to mean more and more to me, and I told Heavenly Father one day that I just wanted to teach everyone the gospel. And, I guess He took that seriously!! Now that I know that it is His will, and that He will help me be adequate enough, I am more than willing and PUMPED to get out there!!
Where did you want to be called?
Anywhere. Literally. People always asked me, and I said, ANYWHERE. It would have been FUN to go to Europe, but I didn't decide to serve a mission to have fun - I decided to serve the Lord. My heart and mind was open to wherever I was assigned by revelation, because I knew that it would be the right place for me.
Anywhere. Literally. People always asked me, and I said, ANYWHERE. It would have been FUN to go to Europe, but I didn't decide to serve a mission to have fun - I decided to serve the Lord. My heart and mind was open to wherever I was assigned by revelation, because I knew that it would be the right place for me.
Was your call surprising? How did you feel about it?
Yes and no... haha. I'm so decisive.
I opened and read, "Massachusetts Boston Mission". And, I was like, "What??" But suddenly, it felt like I had always known that was where I would go. It felt almost perfect. I was a little sad that I wouldn't be going somewhere they spoke Spanish, because I REALLY felt that I would learn Spanish on my mission. Then I thought to look at what language I would be serving in, and it said, "Spanish". Best moment of my life!! I didn't even know they HAD Spanish speaking missionaries in Boston. Coolest thing EVER. I should never have doubted!
Yes and no... haha. I'm so decisive.
I opened and read, "Massachusetts Boston Mission". And, I was like, "What??" But suddenly, it felt like I had always known that was where I would go. It felt almost perfect. I was a little sad that I wouldn't be going somewhere they spoke Spanish, because I REALLY felt that I would learn Spanish on my mission. Then I thought to look at what language I would be serving in, and it said, "Spanish". Best moment of my life!! I didn't even know they HAD Spanish speaking missionaries in Boston. Coolest thing EVER. I should never have doubted!
Share an interesting missionary experience or story.
I don't know that I have one... I have always taken the opportunity to share the gospel with others - at Girls' State, at Summer Camps, etc, but recently, I came across a site of a Christian minister in Pakistan, who was working to distribute Bibles and bring Christ to the people of the largely Islamic Pakistan. He noted that he held "anti-cult" meetings to teach people about the evil cult of Mormonism. Well, that sort of upset me, haha. I tried to leave it alone, but something kept saying, "Nicole, say something."
I don't know that I have one... I have always taken the opportunity to share the gospel with others - at Girls' State, at Summer Camps, etc, but recently, I came across a site of a Christian minister in Pakistan, who was working to distribute Bibles and bring Christ to the people of the largely Islamic Pakistan. He noted that he held "anti-cult" meetings to teach people about the evil cult of Mormonism. Well, that sort of upset me, haha. I tried to leave it alone, but something kept saying, "Nicole, say something."
So, I did... I sent him a message letting him know that I was a member of The Church and asked him why he taught our church was a cult, and where he had studied Mormonism. I told him that I was willing to answer any questions he had about Mormons.
He messaged me back to tell me he had nothing against Mormon people, just their cult, and that he had studied for many years. No details, though. He then told me that he had some 'anti-Mormon literature' that if I REALLY wanted to know the truth, he could send it to me.
Well, so much for having questions to answer!! However, I sent a reply back, and was able to let him know that we are not a cult. I invited him to attend a Mormon meeting (and to see that it wasn't as different from his own religion as he thought) and informed him that I could not accept his offer to read his 'anti' literature to know the 'truth': I would only read things that were 'virtuous, lovely, of good report, and praiseworthy'. I told him that my source of truth was God, and that He is where I looked for a confirmation of the what is correct.
I was able to bear my testimony of revelation and the Spirit of God. I also invited him to read the Book of Mormon. I told him that if he wanted to know the truth about our church, and if it really was a cult, all he had to do was read the Book of Mormon and pray sincerely about it, and God would tell him the "truth of all things".
I haven't heard back; I'm assuming he's uninterested. But I gave him a reply only after much prayer, so I hope that it fulfilled a purpose in the Lord, although I don't know what it was.
It was a neat chance to have.
Why are you serving?
I am serving because I know it's the Lord's will for me. I am serving because I WANT to serve him. I am also serving, because I know how important the gospel is. We, of all men on earth, have the greatest reason to rejoice! We know EXACTLY what the plan is for us, and what our eternal goals are. We know how to get there. We have pure, plain, eternal truths. And our mandate is to take that to the world so that each person can have their chance to accept the gospel and learn what the Atonement means for them, and the happiness, direction, and peace that they can find NOW. It is beautiful, and essential to the salvation of each soul. That is why I am serving.
I am serving because I know it's the Lord's will for me. I am serving because I WANT to serve him. I am also serving, because I know how important the gospel is. We, of all men on earth, have the greatest reason to rejoice! We know EXACTLY what the plan is for us, and what our eternal goals are. We know how to get there. We have pure, plain, eternal truths. And our mandate is to take that to the world so that each person can have their chance to accept the gospel and learn what the Atonement means for them, and the happiness, direction, and peace that they can find NOW. It is beautiful, and essential to the salvation of each soul. That is why I am serving.
Any advice for future sisters or girls still deciding?
Well, PRAY PRAY PRAY, of course.
Know that not going doesn't make you any less of a person.
You DON'T have to follow the crowd. You don't even have to go at 19.
But DO know that a mission will never ever NOT bless you. You will not miss out on blessings or life because you went on a mission.
Also, Determine WHY you want to serve. Is it for you? Is it to see the world? Is it because everyone else is going and you feel pressure? Or is it because you are converted and have a strong testimony, and you want to share? Is it because the Lord would have you go? Make sure that you do things for the right reason.
Well, PRAY PRAY PRAY, of course.
Know that not going doesn't make you any less of a person.
You DON'T have to follow the crowd. You don't even have to go at 19.
But DO know that a mission will never ever NOT bless you. You will not miss out on blessings or life because you went on a mission.
Also, Determine WHY you want to serve. Is it for you? Is it to see the world? Is it because everyone else is going and you feel pressure? Or is it because you are converted and have a strong testimony, and you want to share? Is it because the Lord would have you go? Make sure that you do things for the right reason.
Any other thoughts?
Just my mission scripture. It describes my feelings about the gospel: I am filled with joy and the knowledge that everything I will ever be is only thanks to God, and through His Son. :)
Just my mission scripture. It describes my feelings about the gospel: I am filled with joy and the knowledge that everything I will ever be is only thanks to God, and through His Son. :)
- Alma 26:11-12, 35-36 -
…I do not boast in my own strength, nor in my own wisdom.
Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things.
… Yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being …to those who will repent.
If this is boasting, even so will I boast; for this is my life and my light, my joy and my salvation, and my redemption.
--Sister Nicole Laudie
For more information on the Massachusetts Boston Mission, check out Sister Jacobsen's mission blog!
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