You Are Hereby Called To...

On November 7, 2012 Natalie opened her mission call with a big group of friends and family.

She excitedly read, "Dear Sister Hickey,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Portu... Lisb mission."

She paused and so did everyone else. Most people in the room thought that she had misread that she was going to Portland Oregon Mission. But then someone shouted out, "Portugal!"

She realized where she was going and started to cry.

She continued reading a little more quickly,"Portugal Lisbon Mission. You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, April 3, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Portuguese language."

There were a lot of tears, and hugs and happy congratulations. Natalie we are so proud of you serving a mission. You will be such a good missionary for the people of Portugal!

The Missionary Age Change

On October 6, President Thomas S. Monson announced in general conference that young women throughout the Church could begin full-time missionary service at the age of 19.

 

“Today, I’m pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21,” said President Monson.

Then, he added: “We affirm that missionary work is a priesthood duty, and we encourage all young men who are worthy and physically able and mentally capable to respond to the call to serve. Many young women also serve, but they are not under the same mandate to serve as are the young men. We assure the young sisters of the Church, however, that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries and we welcome their service.”

After that comment Natalie turned to the family and said with a grin on her face, "What if I went on a mission?" We all laughed, including Natalie, and then listened to the next talk. But then in between sessions of conference she again said, "What if I went on a mission?" And as she said it more and more, we and she knew that she was becoming more and more serious. And several days later she announced that she would start her papers, and so it began.

The First Post

Natalie,

Merry Christmas! This is the first of many posts on your missionary blog! I hope you and your friends like this, and will forever as you look back at this time of service as a momentous, good time of your life.

Love,

Johnny