What influenced you to go on a mission? Were you expected to go?

I always wanted to go on a mission. I felt like I should share the joy and happiness I had experienced. My family did want me to go because they also knew how rewarding and challenging it was.

Once in the mission field, how did you adapt to your new life? In what ways were you prepared or unprepared? What was your biggest struggle while on your mission?

I feel it took me a while to adapt to my mission. I got advice from other missionaries and support from my family. I felt I was prepared in the form of desire and dedication. I was definitely not quite as prepared for the different culture and language. It was quite a shock going from being able to express myself fairly well, to not being able to tell a person directions, let alone teach the gospel. It was also a unique experience being paired with people totally different than me to do missionary work with. It was also quite hard at times on my mission to see people reject the message that we had come halfway around the world to share.

Do you feel closer to your Church after your mission?

I do feel more involved and mature in the Church after serving my mission. I do feel closer to the Church.

How did you feel when you returned from you mission? Did you adjust to normal life quickly? How were you treated differently by your family/community?

I had mixed feelings when I returned from my mission. On one hand I was very sad to leave the people and work I had grown to love. On the other hand I was relieved. I had worked hard and sought diligently to do my best. I was emotionally, spiritually and physically exhausted. I was very happy to once again see my family. I adjusted somewhat quickly to non full-time missionary life back in America. My family and community treated me as more mature, for I had indeed grown in maturity. I felt like I had much more experience to make even bigger decisions in my life.

If you could go back in time, would you still go on a mission? Why?

I would go back on a mission in a heartbeat. It was one of the greatest experiences in my life. Never before had I experienced so much joy, pain, hardship and happiness. It was very rewarding to serve the Lord and the people of Germany. I grew so much as a person and also saw the happiness the gospel brings to the lives of others. I will forever cherish my experiences.

What has happened since your return? What are you doing now?

I am currently living in Provo, Utah and going to college. I work part time and am enjoying life. I have had a few callings in the Church since my return, but nothing really time consuming or very involving. I am not married like Brady or Jake but am dating off and on. I have tried to get back to some of my old activities such as mountain biking, snowboarding, soccer, hanging out with friends and so forth.

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