Today marks 34 years since I started my full-time mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on January 15, 1992. Best decision of my life. It was hard, but well worth it.
To me, missions are a microcosm of mortality. You leave your family and everything familiar to embark on an intense learning experience with many trials, but also much joy. You go to an unfamiliar place– for 18 months – not knowing anybody but you're given a mission president and companions to help you along the way. It's like starting a completely different life. Completing your mission is like graduating from mortality and going home. At least that's the way I see it. Looking back on my mission brings back many fond memories, but also much growth and many trials. Just like mortality.
I imagine we will look back on mortality, when it is over, in much the same way that I look on my mission. We will be glad it's over but also thankful for the experience. And we'll be extremely grateful for the opportunity and for everything we learned and for the growth we experienced.
It's hard to believe that it's been 34 years since my young 21-year-old self entered the MTC (Missionary Training Center) and started my mission. On one hand it seems like a lifetime ago and on the other hand I remember it like it was yesterday. Life is funny that way.
Some pictures from my first area – Zephyrhills, Florida. February 1992.
I consider it a great privilege to have had the opportunity to serve a full-time mission for the Church. And I'm so thankful for the opportunity and experience.
That's my two cents.
Just a fun fact – Today also happens to be what would have been my maternal grandmother's 99th birthday. I started my mission on her 65th birthday. She died in 2004 at age 77. Happy birthday Grandma Sabin. RIP.
