I received the call in the mail on Wednesday, July 17th. My younger brother, Riley, was going to be out of town until the next day. I had to wait over 24 hours to open the envelope that was going to change my life! I felt as though I was going to jump out of my skin!
What’s worse than having to wait to open the call that you have waited years for? Having to go to math class right before opening the call. We were having a big review before a big test. Take a guess on how I did on that test. Let’s just say it is a miracle that I passed that class with that test score on my record.
I arrived home from math class, and my family and a few of my friends had gathered at my house. Their beaming faces mirrored my crazed excitement.
I stood with the big white envelope in my hands. I had prayed for this moment for years. I had prayed to be given a hint of where I might end up (to no avail…) and it was finally happening!
I tore open the envelope with reckless abandon and read: “Dear Sister Culley, You are here by called to serve as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are here by assigned to labor in the BRAZIL SANTOS MISSION!!!” It felt as though the world had stopped. Everything seemed brighter and clearer. It felt as though I had known the answer all along and that there was no other option.
Afterward something happened that I would cherish the rest of my life. My Grandpa Culley, who was nearing the end of his life at the time, hugged me with tears running down his cheeks and soaking my shirt. He told me that I would be a great missionary. He told me how much he loves me. Then he said that he would be with me always. I feel his spirit everyday. His example fuels my determination to be a missionary 24/7 like he was.
If you are struggling waiting to get your call don’t ever forget that if you have the desire, you are called to the work! Your missionary work can start now! Cherish that moment of clarity when you open your call. Pray that you will love wherever you are called and that the people will accept you. God be with you!