Freshman Year

You may be wondering what my freshman year has to do with my mission experience so far, but technically I was on the missionary committee in my student ward, so thats why I feel justified in reflecting on that here...

This year has been full of ups and downs. I got my patriarchal blessing in the summer, right before I had the Melchizedek priesthood conferred on me, and I was ordained to the office of Elder. Then I came out to Utah to get ready for my first year at BYU. About a week before that started, my Grandma Beth passed away in her home in Heber City. I started off the semester with a Funeral. Which was actually really a great experience. I got to see every single person in my direct family, which was a first for as long as I can remember. That has been such a blessing and comfort to me to know that they will continue to grow stronger as a family even after I leave.

Then in November, my Grandpa Delaine passed away after several months of painful and confusing ailments. At this point, I was just ready for the semester to be over. But, there was still about three weeks. Finals went okay, and I got to go back to Virginia to spend Christmas with Hannah, my Mom, and Dad.

Then second semester started, and I have decided that it's been the best educational experience for me. I met a lot of wonderful people who have helped mold me into a better person. This includes my roommates, my girlfriend, my bishop, and many others.

I got to go to General Conference and the Priesthood Session this April which was really a great experience to see and hear the General Authorities in person.

I also got my mission call, and went through the temple to receive my endowment, which was a great experience as well.

I guess I'm mostly including this short summary of this year because of some things that I have learned, or have had clarified, which may help me be a more effective missionary, or give me the ability to empathize with some of the people in Argentina I will shortly associate with.

One thing I learned was how to be somewhat independant. I have had to cook, clean, shop, study, do laundry and other things by myself this year. This is important for missionaries to learn because they will have to do that same thing on their mission.

I learned how important it is to be worthy to use Priesthood power 24/7. I personally haven't had the opportunity to give any blessings here yet, but I have roommates and friends that have had to give several blessings at all times of the night and day, very abruptly, and not necessarily at convenient times... But I learned from them that it is extremely important to be worthy at all times.

One thing I have become more sure of after many hours of pondering is the idea of eternal families. I cannot wait to see me Grandpas and Grandma again. And after going through the temple, I know without a doubt that families really are forever.

I have learned a lot this year, and I can't believe that it's over now. But I am thankful for the opportunity to mature and grow a little bit over the past couple months.

I don't have anything else to say I guess....

Introduction

I decided to start writing this blog because I will soon be going on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I want my mom to put my letters home up here for everyone to read if they want, because I don't want to bother with a long email list or anything.

So here you go.

The title. There are 1051920 minutes in two years, which is roughly how long a mission lasts. And, that is pretty much the extent of my creativity :)

The mission. I was called to serve in the Mendoza, Argentina mission, and I report to the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah on June 15th, 2011. I'm STOKED.

Anyway, I will write in this at least once a week, on Sundays, until I enter the MTC, and then my mom will hopefully take over and post my emails.

I won't write a whole lot this time, but tonight was the Missionary Fireside and it was really nice to hear the thoughts and testimonies of other future missionaries who will leave sometime this summer. It is crazy to think that in just a short few months, I will be on the ground in Argentina, trying not to look like a green elder. I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to come out to school for a little while, but I am extremely excited to go for two years and try to help people come to know the same joy that I know through the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Church is true, the Gospel has been restored, and God loves his Children!

Elder Daybell