Sister Jackson... has quite the ring to it

This past October, during General Conference, a huge announcement was revealed. It was particularly huge for me. President Thomas S. Monson's revelation may have been to the world, but it felt as if he was speaking directly to me. He stood with a smile on his face and announced that when young women reach the age of 19, they have the tremendous choice whether or not to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I have thought about serving a mission at random moments during my life. Though, usually, I shot down the thought before it could form into an actual idea. I had absolutely no interest in leaving my family, putting off my education, or leaving to go who-knows-where, on my own, to talk to people I don't know for a year and a half. Whenever I think about that now, I feel ashamed and dissapointed in myself for being so selfish. I think about how happy and grateful I am to have had the gospel my entire life. I continue to think about how sad I get when I see people who don't know the truth and just think they're happy. After I heard President Monson's words and shut my mouth, which had fallen wide open in shock, I looked over to my dear mother. She had tears in her eyes and was looking at me in a fond way. I pretty much knew at that moment that serving a mission was definately going to be a part of my future. And the best part of it was that I didn't feel nervous or anxious in any way. I felt peaceful and sure. And let me tell you, those are two very nice feelings to have, after an annoucement like that! I often think about the future. My future. (Because I'm selfish like that.) I say to myself, "In ten years will you regret this or will you be happy you did this?" (I get the answer "regret" a bit more frequently than I'd like.) Whenever I ask about serving the mission, though, there is absolutely no regret in my mind. Which is another answer from my Heavenly Father, if you ask me. I still have another year. If something else comes up, which I'm fairly certain it won't, I'm positive that He will make it known to me. I'm grateful for the age change. It's such an amazing opportunity! How can anyone pass it up? Most of all, I'm greatful to my Father in heaven who answers all of my prayers at just the right moments.

--LizMarie P.S. I wouldn't be totally stoked to find out I'm serving in a spanish speaking mission. It is just not my thing. P.P.S Or my name.