I started a blog over the summer, but that did not last long. Since sleep has not taken over my body I felt the need to blog. I had a good Christmas but before I continue with that I think I should expand on this blog a little more; I, Aisha Ploth, have started her mission papers. It is scary but wonderful. Confusing but satisfying. I don't even know where to start.
This past semester has been wonderful, don't get me wrong. I am so lucky to be able to attend a wonderful University where the Spirit dwells in my bedroom to the third floor of the library. Without this University and the path I have chosen to go down, I think I would be like any other 20 year old; lost and confused. I know that I am Daughter of God and I know Christ died for my sins and knows me personally. What great joy I find in knowing that Joseph Smith, being only a boy, knew something was missing and had the courage to get down on his knees to pray. If you have never seen "The Restoration" (a Mormon film) I suggest you check it. Even if you don't believe or whatever, you will understand. If you claim to be open minded then I challenge you to. I believe if you just scoot over to lds.org you can find it. (:
ANYWAYS! So this semester was great but I felt lost, like I had no plan. Here I was at 5 semesters, people getting married all around me, and I couldn't even decide if I liked 2% or 1% milk better. WHAT IS THAT??! How do you not know by now?? Well, I prayed and I reflected. After many tears and arguments with Heavenly Father I knew that looking into a mission was what I needed to do. For those of you who don't know, in the Mormon church boys are COMMANDED (unless certain circumstance) to go on a mission at 19 for two years. While girls CAN go on a mission at 21 for eighteen months. For you, it might sound weird but it really isn't. Now, this isn't a fun little friend mission where one goes and builds houses and goof off with their friends (those are good though!). This is FULL DEDICATION to the Lord. You forget the world and submerge yourself in the Lord's work. You forfeit your name and represent Christ. You are the face of the Church. Girls give up those cute Sunday skirts and put on long skirts with penny loafers. If you know me, you know this is real because I look like a mess going to church! I only have a few more things to fill out and then I get to go through interviews. I will explain more when I get to those parts. Its a lot to take in and I don't want to overwhelm anyone (mainly, myself when I think about it all). I hope to be able to leave by July. I just have to see about this whole brace face thing and I don't want to miss Kai's baptism in June. So...yeah, this is what I will be working on this upcoming year. I hope I am not able to touch those I come into contact with but the people around me. I know the Lord has a plan for me but I dont know what it is, this is just a step into the right direction.
What does this all have to do with Christmas? Well to put it simply, Jesus. He is the reason. I have been thinking a lot about Jesus as a baby and how He plays apart in my life. The biggest thing is Mary and the baby. How amazing it is that this young mother did not know exactly what potential her son had and the work he would perform but she loved him so much, like any mother. It amazes me when I look into a natvity scene and see that little baby all I think is "WOW". Recently, a roommate asked about what I thought about his birth and it was so great to reflect on it. What a truly humble way to come into this world. This new born baby laid in a manager with animals. And though we see cute little animals I bet it was smelly and gross. I am sure if Mary could she would lysol that place down. I feel like that example shows that Christ knows and understands us.
This post is becoming too long, but this is my goal for this next semester. T0 record my thoughts and feelings before I head on to this new chapter in my life and I hope I am able to succeed. If I put it out for the world, maybe I wont be as scared.
