happiness

Since coming home from my mission I have had to totally change any and all plans that I had. I thought I was going to be in the Philippines all this time and now I am here in Utah. Slightly Different.
 
I realized very fast that Change is hard. It's a challenge, but it's good.
 
Being home hasn't been easy. BUT as soon as I realized what makes me happy things started getting easier.
 

• Be with the people you love. Spending time with people I love has made all the difference. I love being with my family & Friends.





 

 

 

 

 

 

• Do what makes you happy. For me, dancing and music is what keeps me sane. That's what my passion in life has always been. Being able to express yourself in art form is a beautiful thing. I've had several opportunities to dance since being home and I feel so humbled. What a huge blessing that has been to me.

• Be where you want to be. The Temple. That is the place where I find the most peace. I am truly happy when I am serving in the temple. How grateful I am to have the Lords house on earth.

 

There is always something new to learn. Heavenly Father has much in store for us. But through every journey it is important for us to remember to always be happy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints brings me ultimate joy, how grateful I am for it!

 

curve ball

I have recently been sent home from a mission on medical release. I was called to the Philippines, Bacolod Mission in January 2013, and I could not be more excited! I was to report to the Provo, UT Missionary Training Center on June 19, 2013 speaking the Hiligaynon (Ilonggo) language. I waited for quite a few months and June couldn't come soon enough for me! I was so excited to go out and serve our Heavenly Father as a Full-time Missionary!

I finally made it to the MTC and loved being in the MTC! It was an amazing experience, and a spiritual high. My district became my family and I had never gained so much weight in such short time. But the BYU creamery ice- cream was definitely worth it. The six weeks I spent in the MTC seemed to fly by and soon it was time to leave the MTC and go to the Philippines! I was Psyched!

We left for the Philippines on July 29. First stop was California, then Japan, then Manila, then Bacolod! It was a long few days of travel. But we were so excited to have finally made it to the Philippines:)

My first week there went so great! I was loving my mission and was loving the Philippines. Things were obviously different from America and that would take some getting used to, but it was a wonderful blessing to be there.

Then the 2nd week hit.

That's when the start of my sickness occurred. I was sick in bed for quite a few days, and nothing seemed to be getting better. Then my fever broke and things started to get better, or so I thought. Every time I started eating more problems occurred, and it got to the point where I couldn't really eat anymore. However, during this time I continued to love the Philippines, the people I was serving, and all the teaching opportunities we had.

After being in the Philippines for a month I was sent home.

When my mission president told me that I was going home, I was devastated. I didn't want to go home, I didn't want to leave the Philippines. But, I knew that it was what I needed most, and Heavenly Father blessed me with feeling so much peace.

So... I am home!! There is no reason to have a bad attitude about it. I am still trying to make adjustments to everything but, Things are working out! They ALWAYS do.

One of the biggest things that I learned is that EVERYTHING happens for  reason. Heavenly Father will always be with you. He will guide you in the right direction, and he will help you every step of the way. I KNOW THAT. He has helped me through this time and continues to be with me always.

Everyone can be a missionary. Whether called on a mission or not. A good friend told me that you don't need a name tag to preach the gospel. How true she is! Be an example. Be a friend. Stand up for what you believe in. 

So yes, right now my life is throwing a curve ball at me. But with Heavenly Fathers help we can overcome all things!

Camille