Back Into the World... Yet Not of It.

I'm BACK!
...and it's different.

Wow, has the mission changed my perspective on life!
December 5, 2009 I was released from my calling as a missionary in the Idaho Boise Mission.
I can't believe how short it was... even though the first 2 months felt like 6, as I continually gave myself to the Lord and His work, time flew.
So, here I sit. I have come back to Southern Utah University (woohoo!) to finish my degree.

Life is definitely different now. I feel older, for one. I have joined the unorganized club of returned missionaries, and I am experiencing what we call "Transition".
Transition is a strange word that we use to describe the almost excrutiating process of going from full-time servant of the Lord to... mantle-less, tagless,
regularity.
The rigorous hourly schedule is no longer a part of my world, nor are District Meetings, Zone Conferences or President's Interviews.
My meals are not taken care of by the Relief Society, and I don't have any kind of income every month. (I'm working on it!)
I don't have a mission credit card to pay for the gas I would need for the car I don't have anymore.
I miss having my companion. I miss experiencing life x2! (it was especially helpful for journal writing, which I'm slacking on now) and I miss being able to UNLOAD all my doubts, fears, and concerns to an empathetic ear. I miss someone telling me it's going to be okay. I miss it all.

But, you know what? I miss the adventures with the people of Idaho the MOST.
Idaho may not sound like anything spectacular, but it is where pieces of my heart now lie. It's incredible how much devout service towards others has completely changed my life- and left me wanting more. I gave my life in service to my Lord, and I have since found it.

I found my life on the mission. I found my purpose. Yes, I do miss all the 'perks' and even the blasted morning schedule!
I think that during the transition, it's normal to miss all of these things... but the key to a great transition is using the mission as a springboard to the rest of my life.

It wasn't the best 18 months of my life.
It was the best 18 months FOR the rest of my life.

Now it's time that I used the mission as a foundation!
I see the world through different eyes. I see the world through more spiritual eyes; eyes that show understanding in our purpose in this life.
I continue to fall short of what I learned as a missionary, but one thing I will always take with me is a love for everyone around me. I will serve others until the day that I die! And even then, service doesn't stop there!

I am and forever will be a missionary from the Idaho Boise Mission. I'd like to think that I am transitioning well-- and a good transition consists of putting to good use the skills I gained as a missionary. These skills include using time wisely, waking up early, teaching effectively, and most importantly inviting others to come unto Christ.
I am a member missionary- and I'm grateful that I'm back, and that it's different.
Sarah Michelle