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Making the Decision to Serve a Mission
I was introduced to the Church as a young girl when my family relocated to the Dominican Republic in 2007. Upon our arrival, my mother, my brother Mayer, and I had met the missionaries, Elder Upshaw and Elder Jean Louis, who later baptized my mother. This event marked one of the most wonderful blessings for our family at that time. I was six years old, and my brother was five. Later my brother and I were baptized when we each turned eight. I am thankful to my mother for accepting the message the missionaries brought when I was just a girl. Despite understanding that challenges and trials would continue even after our baptism, we embraced the gospel of Jesus Christ into our lives because we recognized its truth and the promise of eternal happiness for our family.
Since childhood, I dreamed of serving a mission. As I got older, however, my perspective on life began to change, and prioritizing my family’s well-being became the most important. With the responsibility to support us, I watched my mother shouldering the care for me, my brother, and my three other younger siblings—Winyordy, Drey, and Ros—‚without the assistance of my stepfather, who had previously filled that role. It was solely her and me, with the guidance of our Heavenly Father, providing for the family. I understood that I was an essential pillar in supporting the family. Nevertheless, despite knowing the hardship it would bring her, my mother encouraged me to pursue my mission.
Throughout my life, my mother always reminded me that God always knows what is best for me. But it wasn’t until one day at work that I really listened to her. I felt like I was wasting my time there and had a strong feeling I should go on a mission. Even though friends and Church leaders had told me before to follow my heart, I hadn’t wanted to admit it. When I got home, I told my mom, “I’m going to serve a mission.”
She was excited and surprised and completely supported my decision.
I was called to serve in the Dominican Republic Santiago Mission. Incredibly, while there, I have become reacquainted with Elder Jean Louis, the first missionary who taught us the gospel. God’s timing is perfect, and when you put God first, everything else will come as a result.