Choose (Girls Camp 2015)

In the past few weeks I've been working two jobs, been to girls camp, American Red Cross LDC (Leadership Development Camp), made a tough decision, lots of tears have been shed, but so many smiles have lit up the storm that accompanied my mind. 
I've learned so much the last few weeks about myself and others around me that it amazes me that I've gone 17 years without knowing things about myself that I know now. I've had to make choices that could either benefit my life or destroy friendships. I've had to learn all about choices and choosing, but also doing what I need to do to help me. 


First things first, let me tell you about Girls Camp this year. I did not want to go to girls camp, and when I say that I did not want to go, I mean I did NOT want to go. I was new to the ward; I felt like I didn't fit in, that no one liked me, that me being there or not being there would not make any sort of difference for me or the other girls. I had different opportunities that I could've taken advantage of, instead of going to girls camp. I was frustrated and I did not have the best attitude about it. What was the point of me being there? 
However, by the end of that week, I had gotten personal revelation about why I was supposed to be there. It wasn't for me. It wasn't for my testimony to grow and for my love of the gospel to flourish. My purpose was to be there so that the beehives (12-13 yearolds), and the miamaids (14-15 yearolds) could benefit from my personal spirit, my testimony, and my love of the gospel. I knew that was my reason, that was my purpose. I had made new friends, I knew everyone's names now, and I had a best friend in the ward, Megan.

Back in my old ward, my best friend was Maddie J. We had gone to girls camp every year together, every year except for 2 we were in the same cabin/tent. She's been my best friend from kindergarten. Knowing that I had to go to my last girls camp without Maddie by my side, made me cry. This year though, my best friend became Megan. Megan is a beehive, she's 4'7 and oh my lanta that girl is full of sass. (No wonder why we get along so well!) Megan had sent me a text after girls camp that was my second witness about my purpose to being at girls camp. 

I can start my mission papers in 10 months and 4 days. I could have my mission call a year from now, and if it's in His plan I could be dropped off at the MTC or the airport in 14-18 months from now. Being at girls camp this year made me realize how truly blessed and excited I am to be able to serve a mission in a little over a year. 

I'm glad that I could be such an example, a leader and a role model for some of these girls. I am glad that my mother forced me to go to girls camp, because if I hadn't I would not have learned more about my ability to teach others by example, or learned more about myself in a spiritual way.

I have a testimony in the love that Christ and Heavenly Father has in me and everyone around me. I have a testimony of the Book of Mormon and how it is a true book of doctrine that I need in my life, every single day. I have a testimony in prayer and how prayers are always answered, and if the Lord needs you to have specific personal revelation it will come to you. I have a testimony in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how it is the true church of the face of this earth. 

I urge you to go and find the truth in this world that is so full of confusion and different ways to go. There is no greater joy than knowing the truth, that will be revealed to you. 

My next post is all about my next camp; the American Red Cross Leadership Development Camp and everything else that I've been needing guidance about in my life. Be sure to read that one too!