Never in your life will you have the same experiences that you will as a missionary. Never in your life will you be so excited to head to the sketchy part of town, and chase down people. Never in your life will you have the authority to talk to anybody, in any situation, about the gospel. Never in your life will you have the total confidence that you can talk about Jesus with some people in Wal-mart, or some drug dealer on the street. Never do you get to be totally awkward and not care one bit what anybody says about you. Never in your life do you get to be friends with people from all walks of life, all different people, and come to love them so so much, other than on a mission. Never will you get to grow like you do on your mission.
I really love my mission. I have learned so very much. There is so much that I cannot explain, and what I can explain would take up way too much room. My mission has changed me, and I pray that I will never change back.
As I have served a mission, I have learned some really important lessons, some of which include giving up your will to God. Whatever you think you were supposed to do, may be something other than what the Lord has in store for you. You have to trust his judgment. I can't say how many companions I have judged before they came to me, but have become my very best friends ever. I have friends here from all over. I love being around them. I love learning from them. I love seeing them do amazing things. How much better does it get?! They have helped me find myself, too.
I have learned that when you give yourself to the Lord, he has the ability to bless you. But you have to give it all. Give everything up. You have to understand that awkward, really is the new missionary cool. You have to accept that you will be knocked down, built up, yelled at, loved, heartbroken, and driven nearly insane. You have to learn that 6:30am is the best time of the day, and bed time at 10:30pm is the best thing of your life. You have to learn that charades is the new Spanish, and it is possible to teach the gospel with it. You have to learn that people are your best examples, and that a member's home really is the most spiritual place you will be in! You have to learn that the Sacrament not only covers all the times you messed up that week, but it gives you the strength to move forward, to be strong, and to make the necessary changes in your life. You learn that the new complex is really the simplicity. You learn that cars are a privilege, but the Lord makes it work. You quickly learn that trying to impress anybody other than God, is the fastest way to failure. You learn that motives behind any action are totally void and pointless unless they are based on charity and love. You learn that fear is ridiculous, and a common theme for me. You learn that agency is the ability to choose what you want. It is not the ability to choose for others. You learn that some of the most faithful are found around you. You quickly learn that other missionaries are usually the strengths that you pray for, and that is all sprinkled with humility on top! You quickly learn that being perfect is not possible without the Savior. You learn that you really don't have control over every situation, so deal with it! You learn that obedience based on obligation isn't nearly as fun as obedience based on charity. You learn that boldness is the best way to avoid wasting time over beating around the bush. It also brings the spirit the fastest. The Lord calls you where He wants you to do things that are the best for you. You can't forget that and you have to remember that it is in those times you learn the most. Lots and lots of things that I have learned! These are just a few and I didn't even include the stories. But I have learned a lot, and want to keep learning these amazing things. I am so thankful for all of these opportunities.
I have also learned that people can like you and even remember you. I also learned that I scare people. I look angry when I am thinking, and my companions have all been afraid of me when they heard that they were going to be with me because of my obedience- Don't worry. It all changed when they met me (not the obedience). I think they like me now!
Anyway, I have learned a lot. I have learned more things in the last week than I could even write, but one thing that has been a common theme the last little while is our Divine Nature. So often, we are afraid of the person that is inside of us. So often, we are in fear that the person inside will not be liked or she will be odd, but in reality that is just who God intended us to be. It is that person we strive our whole lives to let out. And, in reality, it is so simple. Just be you. Follow those feelings of right and wrong. Don't be afraid of the girl on the inside. She is who you are. I have been so scared of her forever, but there is no need to be afraid. It is who I am, and I am happy to be her. Anyway, long, long email, but so much learned!
I am with Hermana Bown, and it is so much fun! We have had some of the same companions, and now are finally together. We have been out for about the same amount of time and have the same purpose. We get along great, and I just love working with her. Her Spanish is great so we are equal teachers ( hopefully it is not too bad on my part). We have had such a great time so far. We are both willing to work so hard, and are totally focused on the work. I am soooo happy to be here, and I don't want to ever stop being a missionary! I have literally seen miracles. I have also been reminded of who I was, and how far I have come. I think that the missionaries that change on their missions are the real miracles. I have seen so many people who have really changed, and I am one of them! Anyway, I will quite typing now. It really doesn't all make since, but here ya go!
Also, I didn't play the piano too much in my last area. I didn't feel like it had much to do with my purpose. Here, I feel like it might be better, and the other day we stayed at the church for lunch and I tocared (played) the piano. It felt really good. I will send you all the video. I love you all a ton, and I hope that you have a great day!
Love,
Hermana Gamett
P.S. still cant spell
Happy Birthday, Brit!!!
CURRENT ADDRESS:
3240 East Tamarack Court #607
Evansville, IN 47715
