Broken Heart Turned Into Blessings

 Sept 19, 2012 age of 23 I entered the MTC (Missionary Training Center) in Provo, Utah. I didn't know what to expect. All I knew was this is where I was supposed to be. New people, new place was very frightening. I had very little to no alone time. That was hard, because that is how I reset myself. I was set to be in there for 3 weeks. Learning the Gospel teachings and practice teaching. VERY frightening. 

That was the hardest 4 weeks of my life. 4 weeks you say? Yes, I was really sick. I was taken to the hospital because I was in pain. After being injected with morphine, I saw EMT running inside the ER. I recognized one person. My Uncle Brian. It was a tender mercy to see him. Having a family member come and comfort me during this hard time. He called my parents and I got to talk to them a little. Trying to talk while loopy on morphine is well..interesting. I felt all the prayers which I am grateful for. 

Saying goodbye to the other missionaries in my district broke my heart. I was supposed to travel with them. The MTC put me in another group that arrived 2 weeks after I did. I was really bitter. My anxiety was really high. I didn't want to be in the MTC anymore. I learned all the curriculum, why am I here? I quickly learned that the group I was assigned to join was struggling. They had their own group and individual hardships. I quickly learned that the true reason for me to stay was to help these wonderful missionaries. I didn't know that until my last day in the MTC. They thanked me for helping them. I had no clue I was helping in any way. That piece of humble pie tasted good that day.

Fast forward to my arrival in San Diego. I had the most wonderful missionary companions. They were very diligent in their work and cared. I was happy to be there. Not even a week after I arrived, I got sick again. It was hindering my work and my companions' work as well. I felt bad. They showed nothing but love. I got to see Tony get baptized. It was so great! Such a great and happy day. I will never forget his big stash of V8. What a great guy.




 I even got to invite another sweet young girl to be baptized. She accepted with the biggest smile. However, I was still sick and I prayed alone in the bathroom whether I should go home to try to get better with doctors and meds. The answer was that is what I'm supposed to do. So I called my Mission President. With my doctor, my mission president, my parents and I on the conference call, we all agreed this was the best route. When I told that sweet girl I just talked about that I had to leave, she was trying not to cry. What a special spirit she has. 

Then it was time for me to go home early and try to get my health back in order. I was not happy. Here was my fellow missionaries rejoicing being with their families whom they haven't seen in 18-24 months. But little did I know the next 5 months would be full of blessings and tender mercies.

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