I had an amazing experience the other day, which once again has strengthened my testimony. I have been joining the missionaries on team-ups to help prepare me for my own mission. This particular night we were teaching [this amazing girl who i just love] about the priesthood. After our lesson, one of the Elders asked me when I had received a blessing last. I told him it was probably around the time I received my mission call. He then asked if I would like one then. Now, I must say I have never been afraid to ask for blessings, but I honestly didn't think I needed one. I simply thought he wanted to show our friend the power of the priesthood, which I thought was a little improper, but I agreed to have one anyway. I can honestly say I've learned so many things by that one blessing. First off, I did need one. I'm so grateful that this Elder was in tune with the Spirit to know that I was in need of comfort. Second, the Lord will always comfort His children. Third, He knows us individually. He knows our doubts, sorrows, fears, and our deepest secrets. I had just reached my one-month mark until I report to the MTC and so many emotions were filling up inside of me. I was, and am, so excited to serve! But I was also starting to feel very inadequate, I understand "the Lord doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called" but I couldn't help but feel so unprepared to teach His Gospel. I was scared, confident, excited, nervous, hopeful, doubtful and unsure of myself all at the same time. But most of all, I was absolutely terrified of something happening to my family while I was away. I know of people who have had to go through the trial of having a loved one pass away while they were serving, and this was my greatest fear of leaving. Of course I knew this was my calling and I knew I wanted to serve but nonetheless they were present, but I was sure (am sure) every missionary feels similar feelings and so I never once mentioned them to anyone. When this Elder gave me this blessing, he first told me of how proud Heavenly Father was of me and of the decisions I have made thus far. He told me our Father was so excited for me to serve the people in Florida and that He was looking forward to seeing the success I would have and the difference I would make. He said that Heavenly Father wanted me to know that I had been preparing for this my whole life and that I was prepared for it, and that I would be able to teach the lessons with ease and to not doubt my capabilities or myself. And then he said the most amazing thing. He said that I need not worry about my family while being away, because they would be protected and blessed for my decision to serve, that no harm would come to them and that this would strengthen each of them more than I could comprehend and it would be the greatest blessing that has come to our family. Of course I was crying, and couldn't believe our Father in Heaven had answered every single doubt. Who am I to doubt Him or His power? I was able to bear testimony of what had just happened to our friend and afterwards she received a beautiful blessing that also touched her just as strongly. I know that the power of the priesthood is real. Although, he could've felt similar feelings before his own mission, this Elder had no idea about my feelings toward my family at that time. It is only by the power of God that he could've given me the most perfect blessing to reassure me of my calling and His love for each of us. I'm so thankful for this experience I had to solidify my testimony once again on His holy priesthood and on Him.
