CALLED TO SERVE

So much has happened to me in the last year that i cannot describe all of it without writing a book. but the main thing right now is I am going to be serving the lord by going on a mission for 2 years. I officially got my answer that i wanted to go on a mission was 2012 October Conference, when the missionary age changed and was informed how the need for missionaries was greatly needed. the age change didnt really affect me, but hearing about how missionary work is at the point when it is most needed, i knew that the lord was telling me i need to go on a mission. and when i had officially said yes in my heart, the spirit confirmed it. 

In order for converts to the church to be able to go on missions, they need to be members for a year, that means i couldnt start my papers until December, but when i finally finished and submitted my paperwork, I was so excited i couldnt wait. two weeks went by and i didnt get it? i thought because of all the missionaries turning theirs in it would take longer. three weeks and i still hadnt received it? i started to become a lot more impatient. and finally on February 4, 2013 i opened the mail box to find a huge white envelope that stated "Elder Dominic Allen Orso." it was here! and so much was running through my mind. 

The time came for my to open my call and i had many friends who came over to watch me open it. i couldnt have asked to a more loving and supportive group of people. with my families (; on the phone it was time for me to open it. i opened the envelope and pulled out the booklet and the call letter. i didnt want to read ahead so i put the paper behind the booklet, doing so i didnt realize there was other paper, and my eyes locked on the top of the paper " US PASSPORT" was this real? i knew then that i was going foreign and so many possibilities ran through my head, i could be going to Russia! Brazil! or even Japan! with all this going on in my head what seemed like minutes felt like hours. but now i was ready to read the call. i slid the paper up as i went line by line and finally read the sentence that would have the biggest impact on my life: 

"Dear Elder Orso,

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, you are assigned to labor in the Italy Milan Mission......You should report to the Provo Missionary Training Center on Wednesday June 12, 2013. You will prepare to preach the Gospel in the Italian Language."

I am so thankful for this Gospel in my life, i am thankful for all the knowledge that i have gained from the scriptures, prayer, the prophet, and from family and friends. i have a strong testimony that this is the true church that Jesus Christ has in his day. i know i am called to the work to help seek out those who are too ready for the gospel and help them come unto Christ. i am ready to preach the gospel to those in Italy and know that if i am obedient to the lord i will be guided by the spirit. i love my family, friends,Jesus Christ, and this Gospel. and i say these things in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.