The Journey of My Missionary Life

I found out before and on my mission that obedience is the key. I remember I worked in the Ready to Wear clothing fashion outlet store. It was one of the famous store outlets in Compostela Valley Province, Philippines. I was probably, twenty-two or twenty-three years old at that time. I had a lot of fun in my work since it was one of my passions. My favorite part of my job was putting on new fashion design dress mannequins. I also enjoyed entertaining customers and helping them meet their needs and satisfaction.

On that very day, I saw four LDS missionaries. I was amazed seeing them in one section, for maybe 15 minutes searching for what fitted them. Out of my curiosity, I walked towards them, inquiring, “what are you looking to buy?” Do you want to try our new t-shirt designs? One missionary quickly answered, “We missionaries are not allowed to wear stylish t-shirts.” Her answer made me wonder. When they left, my mind was full of questions. How could they appreciate a simple plain colored t-shirt?

 One day, when I was sitting on the sofa, my sister sat beside me and asked me questions about my plans for the future and my goals in life. She even joked about finding my eternal companion at her work. We both laughed! I answered, “I do not know yet.” The time came when I finally got a boyfriend, a worthy priesthood holder in the LDS church. He always wants to visit me and invites me to church sacraments together. While walking home on a sunny and windy day after church meetings, I noticed the hem of his garments. I asked him, “Why are you wearing a garment?” He replied, “Because I went on a mission.” I found out that he is a return missionary. We visited my mom, and I remember my mom seated on her bed inside her room. My mother allowed us to enter, and I introduced him to my mother. He sat in a separate chair. He put the pillow in his lap. Then he stood up to grab the hand of my mother. He puts it to his forehead as a sign of respect in Filipino culture. My mother unhesitatingly said, “I give you a blessing to marry my daughter.”  He looked at me for seconds and replied to my mom, “Thank you!” My cheeks blushed like cherry red!

At this point, I can see myself as Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean movie series. I can appear cowardly, funny, mysterious, and a kind lover.

One chilly, quiet night while lying on my small yet comfy bed. I tucked myself in a thin linen white cotton blanket. I can hear the crickets chirping, but the peaceful night made me pray in my mind. I communed with Heavenly Father; what lack I yet? What do I need to do? I wrestle with deep thinking to fill in the hollow pieces within me. As I was asleep, I dreamed of children singing, “Teach me to walk in the light.” When I woke up, the song kept coming back into my mind, bringing memories of my primary days.

I was not working that day. I decided to dust off the bookshelves and unintentionally grabbed the Book of Mormon. As I began wiping the dust out of the cover, it fell off my hands, and it opened to the introduction page. The floor invited me to sit down, and I found myself started reading, “It put forth the doctrine of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.” It also suggests that a man must ask God through prayer to know the divinity of this book.

As I kept pondering about prayer, I wanted to escape the turmoil out of my head. So, I decided to pray. I made sure that no one was left in the house that day, and I went to my room and knelt. As I started to pray, I felt the hair of my whole body go up, and my tears kept falling uncontrollably. I felt indescribable feelings of joy and peace. It was the feeling I felt for the very first time in my life. As I stood up, my body was lighter than before. I respond to the reading and confirmation of the Holy Ghost. So, I decided to resign from my job. The owner called me and asked, “What was the matter?” She offered a salary increase to help me stay. Even so, I confidently declined the offer and said, “I would love to go on a mission.” Without hesitation, I prepared to go on a mission. I left my job, family, boyfriend, and friends.

In my mission, I found satisfaction and wholeness in life. During my mission in my first area, I was obliged to teach the First Vision by my companion, and I had only one day left. I don’t know what to do to memorize it in the Tagalog language. During those times of need, I remember the importance of the Holy Ghost and prayer. I also remember Apostle James directed that “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him (James 1:5). So, I prayed. I was comforted that the Holy Ghost helped me remember things I studied. When I started to teach the First Vision, I was surprised that I delivered it well. The Holy Ghost helped succor my challenges in my mission and enlightened my mind to learn the things that I needed in my mission. I was released as a full-time missionary with a smile on my face knowing that I did great and Heavenly Father was proud of me.

The verses in the scriptures, coupled with my experiences, proved to me that, through prayers, and obedience we could invite the guiding assurance of the Holy Ghost throughout all types of challenges, especially in decision making. It helped me choose the right and obey the will of our Heavenly Father. I conclude that the Holy Ghost guides, enlighten, and leads to all truths and understanding.