A Retrospective of My Mission

I have had to stretch and grow on my mission and learn to do hard things.  I immediately went from a full-time homemaker to Mission Secretary.  I had never been a secretary at church or in the workplace.   

When I arrived in the Philippines 14 months ago, I was seriously lacking in secretarial skills. I felt overwhelmed and inadequate for my assignment.  I tried not to be discouraged and would tell myself that the Lord had confidence in me and that he would make me equal to the task. Still, it was hard!

Elder Rusch sneaking a 'selfie' with my phone

 My trainer, Elder Rusch, was a young missionary who had been serving as the mission secretary for eight months.  He was so patient and kind to me during the eight days he had to train me before he was transferred.  He taught me a few things at a time and tried not to overwhelm me.  He made me a booklet with detailed instructions of each task that I was to perform.  I still use those instructions on occasion.

I learned how to prepare letters for departing missionaries, how to mail merge, make travel arrangements, and print Release Certificates.  I’ve learned to arrange for catering and physical facilities for Zone Conferences, to make monthly calendars with important events and birthdays to send out to 196 missionaries.  I learned how to send out an emergency mass email to all of the missionaries’ parents and Priesthood Leaders updating them on Typhoon conditions.  I’ve learned much about teaching the gospel with opportunities we’ve had to spend time with the young missionaries.

When Stephen was called to be 2^nd Counselor to the Mission President last July, he received some new responsibilities.  One of those responsibilities was to speak in District Conferences and branches in the five districts throughout our mission.  I am usually his companion speaker.  It frightened me to speak in public.  Whenever I had to speak in church, I could feel my legs quivering as I stood behind the pulpit.  I wondered if the bishopric were secretly laughing at me.  As a child, I remember being terrified to stand in Primary and give a 2 ½ minute talk.  My mom would write it for me and have me memorize it.  I would complain to her and tell her how frightened I was.  She would always comfort me by saying, “Don’t worry Luann, I’ll be sitting where you can see me and I’ll be praying for you.”   It still brings me comfort to think of my mother praying for me.

Stephen and I have been speaking in church almost every other Sunday for the past few months.  This weekend, I had to speak at the Saturday adult session of conference and the Sunday Session.  I have never had to speak two days in a row.  Stephen gave three talks, one was at the leadership session.  We only had a couple of days to prepare and were not assigned a topic.  We have many times been asked to speak just a few minutes before the meeting starts.  I have learned to not worry about what others might think of my speaking abilities, but to strive to please the Lord and trust that he will help me.  I pray always to be guided by the Spirit in the things I do and say. 

Being a missionary is hard work.  I never thought I would say this, but I am very grateful for the opportunity that I have had to be pushed out of my comfort zone and to learn that I can do hard things.

Pictures before the Cauayan District Conference:

Photos after the Conference:

My Naguilian Branch Family gathers for a photo after the conference.