If you are going on a mission, and you hate shopping, here's some advice.
DON'T DO IT
I'm joking..
but for real
Just accept the fact that you are going to have to spend hours of shopping for obvious things like
clothes
shoes
and such
then you will spend eternity buying random things like
shampoo
flashlight
journal
highlighters
scripture references
missionary handbook
other books
the undies you need
coats
rain boots
alarm clock
tampons
umbrella
umbrella
photo album
camera
sheets
pillow case
pillow
blanket
jump rope
etc etc etc etc
If you do love shopping, I guarantee you won't love picking out razors and nail clippers.
Either way there are some things I bought that weren't even on the packing list
that are must haves
So here are some ideas in case you feel the provided packing list left out some details
lint roller because who knows
scissors, for those pesky split ends
shoe inserts
a lanyard (thank you Bella) for the card that you absolutely cannot
lose in the MTC
bobby pins hair ties
a coloring book for when you are trying to teach a lesson
and the little cuties are distracting
(also bring colored pencils and a sharpener)
one of those face masks in a packet from Walmart,
it will provide something to look forward to
if you're anything like me
its the little things
Norwex Makeup remover rag. Literally all you need to do is get it
wet and it takes your make up off. You boil it to wash it once in a
while and walaahh! No more make up wipes that run out
no more chemicals on your face
just a simple rag and water.
I am bringing two blankets of mine to make it feel more like home
earplugs. I recently received some advice about this from someone in
my stake. She said to get earplugs and I thought, of course!
I might have a comp that snores. Perfect! She said
"Get earplugs so you don't have to hear your roomies crying."
:(
Okay but what if I'm crying, do they help with that too?
GARDENING GLOVES
of course!
my mom is a genius, with all the service you do as a missionary
I'm willing to bet I'll be breaking those bad boys out
more than once. If not, I'll let you know.
Okay this isn't mind blowing, but work out shorts that aren't tight are just
about impossible to find. no lie.
I found mine from: my moms closet
burlington
and Sam's Club
literally everywhere else the only loose
ones they had were pants
and hell only knows what it's like
to run in Florida
wearing sweat pants
If you're going to Florida or somewhere else humid
get some waterproof spray and spray everything
I haven't done this because Utah just doesn't understand
waterproof spray so I'm told
but I will be purchasing a can when I get there no worries
I'm bringing a picture of my favorite temple
and the classical soundtrack to Finding Neverland
a photo album of my family
my air freshener plug-in scentsy with pine scented melting squares
I just doubt pine is a common scent in Florida
and what is Christmas if it doesn't smell like a pine tree?
Also: It's Lindsey's fave smell so it will remind me of her
I will also take some of the best advice evvvveeerrr with me
I have run into just the right people at just the right times to help me
to continue in faith toward my goal.
I leave IN TWO DAYS
I am still sane and have not yet suffered from a single
break down about the matter
I'm about to share some secrets to success
from a few different people
things that changed their missions
or simply just good advice
and things that have helped calm my nerves
I have to be honest
because I have seen so many people I love and know put on a brave face and I commend them but getting to this point of leaving has some major hardships
I recently admitted to my aunt that I was worried
I have cousins and friends that did not seem nervous at all
I heard them talk about how much peace they were feeling
so now about to go on this mission
I wondered what was wrong with me.
Why am I a bundle of nerves
what happened to the excitement I felt after opening my call
It was gone
she explained to me that what I had seen on the outside was not at all
what was going on the inside
I felt better just knowing it's not abnormal to feel this way right
before you leave.
Something that completely changed my perspective was a
conversation with my bestie Lindsey Jean
she basically said
"you knew this would happen. you knew the adversary would try to stop you"
It's true, I have heard returned missionary after returned
missionary express to me the difficulties they felt right before leaving they told me Satan would be working on me really hard. The temptations would be strong.
My problem, was that I was thinking about temptations that would
lead me to be unworthy to go. I forgot about the other ways Satan
works. In "Multiple Doses"
I think the adversary was aware that I was preparing
myself for physical temptation, and so along with that
he went another route.
an unexpected way to get at me anyway he can before I leave.
discouragement
it's like taking the nervousness one step more in a direction
you don't want to go
when Lindsey brought that to my attention
it was like a load was lifted off my shoulders
he wasn't pushing as hard as to make it so I COULDN'T serve
a mission
he was working a lot harder on making it so I wouldn't WANT to serve
a mission
as soon as I recognized that those feelings came from Hell
that's exactly where I told them to go
I have felt so much better
and when doubt of the uncertain starts to hit me
I pray
and I remind myself
Those thoughts and worries are not my own
because faith and fear cannot coexist
thank heavens for my Father in Heaven
that allows me to learn lessons such as this
that I might truly be able to
"Press forward having a perfect brightness of hope,
and a love of God and of all man."
2nd Nephi 31: 20
Not only do I not have to do this alone, but I have people to help.
advice from Ammon: The Mortal Christ changed my mission.
Jamie: Sometimes I'd be teaching what I thought was a mind blowing lesson about the plan of
salvation and eternal life, the spirit would humble me and say
"just tell them that I love them"
I would then relay that to the investigator and tears would stream down their face.
We take for granted the knowledge that there is a God watching over us,
our father, that loves us. That information, will change lives.
Squidney: read the talk by Elder Holland Missionary Work and the Atonement.
Logan Hunter
(whom I don't really even know I just ran into him at the store when I needed this advice)
If you can figure this out now, it will change your mission.
When you are down because you've knocked on doors
all day and not gotten in a single one
and you just want to quit
remember what my companion said to me
"You don't understand the law of sacrifice. Sacrifice, is
doing what you know you should do
when you absolutely do. not. want. to. do. it."
also: about four months into my mission I started to
think "wow. I still have twenty months. That's a long time."
followed quickly by
"it's okay. It's going to be just fine"
from then on I wasn't homesick
and time flew.
Jared: Serve your companions. Especially if you can't stand them.
Make sure everything you do is in companionship with the
spirit. You won't teach people, your conviction
and the spirit will. Even though it's tough to get
up early and and work all day, because
you're set apart and being obedient
you'll be invigorated each day.
Nick: Use your talents. You're sent to where you're sent
for a reason. You'll be surprise what your talents
can do for people.
Heremmi: be grateful for what you have
because when it's over it feels like a dream.
Quade: Have a positive attitude. Quade didn't
tell me this it's just what I've learned from him.
There was a time when he was getting small
boulders chucked right at his head.
I thought he was telling me to talk about
a hard experience on his mission
instead he said to me
"Isn't that great?!"
I was like
uhh
no.
"I got stoned like the prophets of old!!"
It hit me right then and there
it's about attitude
it's about perspective.
that's one of the many things
I've learned from Quade.
Boston: Service.
another thing I have learned just by paying attention.
he truly is such a good man
always looking out for ways to
serve even if they seem small
walking with my grandma
up and down the stairs
opening doors
and cleaning up after people
at Costa Vida so the
workers wouldn't have to do it
Shay: Don't wish it a way before you know it
you're done. She also taught me
what it truly means to be refined
through trials.
My dad: Be obedient
one hundred percent
have fun
Miki: the first day is long and hard
it feels like drinking from a firehose
but it is so so so fun and rewarding
Misty: Don't be a weirdo
be yourself and you will
make a huge difference.
Paxton: Don't let the amount of time
effect your ability to be a great missionary
don't have the false idea that you have
to wait to change into a great one
just be one.
Braden: Enjoy everything. People get serious
but they forget to enjoy it.
Nanny and Grandpa: Love the people and
love God.
AND SO MUCH MORE
but sisters
you'll get you're own amazing advice
and if you don't
just read the words of the Savior
the greatest missionary of all time.
p.s.
as much as it feels
after all the goodbyes
like you are going to the front lines of battle
feel at peace
even though you are
;)
LOVE
Sister Saunders
Make It A Good Day
xoxo
If you do love shopping, I guarantee you won't love picking out razors and nail clippers.
Either way there are some things I bought that weren't even on the packing list
that are must haves
So here are some ideas in case you feel the provided packing list left out some details
lint roller because who knows
scissors, for those pesky split ends
shoe inserts
a lanyard (thank you Bella) for the card that you absolutely cannot
lose in the MTC
bobby pins hair ties
a coloring book for when you are trying to teach a lesson
and the little cuties are distracting
(also bring colored pencils and a sharpener)
one of those face masks in a packet from Walmart,
it will provide something to look forward to
if you're anything like me
its the little things
Norwex Makeup remover rag. Literally all you need to do is get it
wet and it takes your make up off. You boil it to wash it once in a
while and walaahh! No more make up wipes that run out
no more chemicals on your face
just a simple rag and water.
I am bringing two blankets of mine to make it feel more like home
earplugs. I recently received some advice about this from someone in
my stake. She said to get earplugs and I thought, of course!
I might have a comp that snores. Perfect! She said
"Get earplugs so you don't have to hear your roomies crying."
:(
Okay but what if I'm crying, do they help with that too?
GARDENING GLOVES
of course!
my mom is a genius, with all the service you do as a missionary
I'm willing to bet I'll be breaking those bad boys out
more than once. If not, I'll let you know.
Okay this isn't mind blowing, but work out shorts that aren't tight are just
about impossible to find. no lie.
I found mine from: my moms closet
burlington
and Sam's Club
literally everywhere else the only loose
ones they had were pants
and hell only knows what it's like
to run in Florida
wearing sweat pants
If you're going to Florida or somewhere else humid
get some waterproof spray and spray everything
I haven't done this because Utah just doesn't understand
waterproof spray so I'm told
but I will be purchasing a can when I get there no worries
I'm bringing a picture of my favorite temple
and the classical soundtrack to Finding Neverland
a photo album of my family
my air freshener plug-in scentsy with pine scented melting squares
I just doubt pine is a common scent in Florida
and what is Christmas if it doesn't smell like a pine tree?
Also: It's Lindsey's fave smell so it will remind me of her
I will also take some of the best advice evvvveeerrr with me
I have run into just the right people at just the right times to help me
to continue in faith toward my goal.
I leave IN TWO DAYS
I am still sane and have not yet suffered from a single
break down about the matter
I'm about to share some secrets to success
from a few different people
things that changed their missions
or simply just good advice
and things that have helped calm my nerves
I have to be honest
because I have seen so many people I love and know put on a brave face and I commend them but getting to this point of leaving has some major hardships
I recently admitted to my aunt that I was worried
I have cousins and friends that did not seem nervous at all
I heard them talk about how much peace they were feeling
so now about to go on this mission
I wondered what was wrong with me.
Why am I a bundle of nerves
what happened to the excitement I felt after opening my call
It was gone
she explained to me that what I had seen on the outside was not at all
what was going on the inside
I felt better just knowing it's not abnormal to feel this way right
before you leave.
Something that completely changed my perspective was a
conversation with my bestie Lindsey Jean
she basically said
"you knew this would happen. you knew the adversary would try to stop you"
It's true, I have heard returned missionary after returned
missionary express to me the difficulties they felt right before leaving they told me Satan would be working on me really hard. The temptations would be strong.
My problem, was that I was thinking about temptations that would
lead me to be unworthy to go. I forgot about the other ways Satan
works. In "Multiple Doses"
I think the adversary was aware that I was preparing
myself for physical temptation, and so along with that
he went another route.
an unexpected way to get at me anyway he can before I leave.
discouragement
it's like taking the nervousness one step more in a direction
you don't want to go
when Lindsey brought that to my attention
it was like a load was lifted off my shoulders
he wasn't pushing as hard as to make it so I COULDN'T serve
a mission
he was working a lot harder on making it so I wouldn't WANT to serve
a mission
as soon as I recognized that those feelings came from Hell
that's exactly where I told them to go
I have felt so much better
and when doubt of the uncertain starts to hit me
I pray
and I remind myself
Those thoughts and worries are not my own
because faith and fear cannot coexist
thank heavens for my Father in Heaven
that allows me to learn lessons such as this
that I might truly be able to
"Press forward having a perfect brightness of hope,
and a love of God and of all man."
2nd Nephi 31: 20
Not only do I not have to do this alone, but I have people to help.
advice from Ammon: The Mortal Christ changed my mission.
Jamie: Sometimes I'd be teaching what I thought was a mind blowing lesson about the plan of
salvation and eternal life, the spirit would humble me and say
"just tell them that I love them"
I would then relay that to the investigator and tears would stream down their face.
We take for granted the knowledge that there is a God watching over us,
our father, that loves us. That information, will change lives.
Squidney: read the talk by Elder Holland Missionary Work and the Atonement.
Logan Hunter
(whom I don't really even know I just ran into him at the store when I needed this advice)
If you can figure this out now, it will change your mission.
When you are down because you've knocked on doors
all day and not gotten in a single one
and you just want to quit
remember what my companion said to me
"You don't understand the law of sacrifice. Sacrifice, is
doing what you know you should do
when you absolutely do. not. want. to. do. it."
also: about four months into my mission I started to
think "wow. I still have twenty months. That's a long time."
followed quickly by
"it's okay. It's going to be just fine"
from then on I wasn't homesick
and time flew.
Jared: Serve your companions. Especially if you can't stand them.
Make sure everything you do is in companionship with the
spirit. You won't teach people, your conviction
and the spirit will. Even though it's tough to get
up early and and work all day, because
you're set apart and being obedient
you'll be invigorated each day.
Nick: Use your talents. You're sent to where you're sent
for a reason. You'll be surprise what your talents
can do for people.
Heremmi: be grateful for what you have
because when it's over it feels like a dream.
Quade: Have a positive attitude. Quade didn't
tell me this it's just what I've learned from him.
There was a time when he was getting small
boulders chucked right at his head.
I thought he was telling me to talk about
a hard experience on his mission
instead he said to me
"Isn't that great?!"
I was like
uhh
no.
"I got stoned like the prophets of old!!"
It hit me right then and there
it's about attitude
it's about perspective.
that's one of the many things
I've learned from Quade.
Boston: Service.
another thing I have learned just by paying attention.
he truly is such a good man
always looking out for ways to
serve even if they seem small
walking with my grandma
up and down the stairs
opening doors
and cleaning up after people
at Costa Vida so the
workers wouldn't have to do it
Shay: Don't wish it a way before you know it
you're done. She also taught me
what it truly means to be refined
through trials.
My dad: Be obedient
one hundred percent
have fun
Miki: the first day is long and hard
it feels like drinking from a firehose
but it is so so so fun and rewarding
Misty: Don't be a weirdo
be yourself and you will
make a huge difference.
Paxton: Don't let the amount of time
effect your ability to be a great missionary
don't have the false idea that you have
to wait to change into a great one
just be one.
Braden: Enjoy everything. People get serious
but they forget to enjoy it.
Nanny and Grandpa: Love the people and
love God.
AND SO MUCH MORE
but sisters
you'll get you're own amazing advice
and if you don't
just read the words of the Savior
the greatest missionary of all time.
p.s.
as much as it feels
after all the goodbyes
like you are going to the front lines of battle
feel at peace
even though you are
;)
LOVE
Sister Saunders
Make It A Good Day
xoxo
