I'M A MISSIONARY!

So much has happened this month! Let's do a quick recap.

My sister, mom, and I went to Nauvoo, Illinois to meet up with family, see church history sites, and visit my grandparents who are serving a mission there. It was so much fun! The trip was also a huge blessing! I didn't realize how great it was going to be to see family again. Also being immersed in church history strengthened my testimony and desire to get out there and be a missionary!

Two days after returning from Nauvoo, my friend Kelley came to visit for a week! We had so much fun together. We did a lot in the week he was here! 

Not only was it fun to have him here, it was an incredible experience as we were both only a week or two away from our missions (he leaves next week for the Washington DC South mission). We really serve as a strength to one another. I cannot wait to hear about all of his adventures and share my own stories with him!

This past Sunday (the 28th) was my farewell talk. I'd had ideas about some things I wanted to include in my talk, but nothing seemed to really be flowing. By Saturday night, I was getting a little worried as to how the talk was going to turn out. It wasn't until I finished a long conversation with my friends Chels and Chelsea that ideas really started to flow and connect in my mind. I sat down and wrote an outline of things I wanted them to know. I felt so blessed to have two of my best friends there to listen and support me. Here are some things that are important that I touched on in my talk:

• You can receive personal revelation (direct answers to prayers) using a few steps. He will help you make important decisions if you will include Him in the process.
  1. Study the options out in your mind
  2. Pray: ask your question and explain the thoughts you have about it
  3. If you're trying to make a decision and the answer does not seem to be coming, use your judgement and take a step in the direction you think is best. After taking this step, see how you feel.
  4. Trust in the Lord. Once you get that peaceful feeling, act! Don't hesitate. Trust that He has given you and answer and that this answer is what is best for you.
  5. Look for His hand in your life. It's there, I promise. Especially as you find and follow His will for you.
• You can be in the right place at the right time.
  1. I promise you will not find more joy on any other path than the one Heavenly Father has planned for you.
  2. He will lead you to that path if you allow Him.
  3. He loves you! You are His spirit child.
  4. Life is hard BUT He has not left you alone! He gives us trials so that we may grow and become refined, becoming more and more like our perfect example, Jesus Christ.
  5. Heavenly Father sent His son, Jesus Christ, for us. He lived a perfect life so that He could be an example for us. He suffered for your sins, pains, sorrows, and afflictions. He died on the cross and He rose from the dead. All for you. He suffered all this so you never have to feel like no one knows what you are going through. He does. He's felt everything you have felt, now feel, and will feel.
  6. "The gospel is the good news that can free us from guilt. We know that Jesus experienced the totality of mortal existence in Gethsemane. It's our faith that He experienced everything-absolutely everything. Sometimes we don't think through the implications of that belief. We talk in great generalities about the sins of all humankind, about the suffering of the entire human family. But we don't experience pain in generalities. We experience it individually. That means He know what it felt like when your mother died of cancer--how it was for your mother, how it still is for you. He knows what if felt like to lose the student body election. He knows that moment when the brakes locked and the car started to skid. He experienced the slave ship sailing from Ghana toward Virginia. He experienced the gas chambers at Dachau. He experienced Napalm in Vietnam. He knows about drug addiction and alcoholism. Let me go further. There is nothing you have experienced that he does not also know and recognize." Because of this, you NEVER have to feel like no one knows what you are going through. There is always someone who knows and He is always there with an outstretched hand. It's up to us to take it.
• To those who don't have as much faith as they would like to have...
  1. It's okay! You probably have more faith than you think you do.
  2. There's always something that you know. Have that be your anchor. Don't focus on what you do not know, always remember and focus on what you do. What you know trumps what you do not know!
  3. You can ask for help. There are people around who love you and will give you the help and strength you need. Also rely on your Heavenly Father. If you plead with Him, He will send help from both sides of the veil.

These truths are why I am going on a mission. These truths bring me such joy and I want everyone to have a knowledge of them! I know the things I have written are true! Don't take my word for it. If you kneel down and ask Heavenly Father if these things are true, He will testify to you that they are. I promise.

So here I am heading to the Provo, Utah Missionary Training Center tomorrow morning. I cannot wait to serve the people in Brazil and share with them what I know. Here I go!

This is the Month!

Well... I REPORT THIS MONTH! 29 days from today to be exact. Time is flying.

First off! My exciting news... My first two semesters at BYU consisted of stressing about grades and diving into nursing pre-requisite classes, and guess what! All that studying and stressing paid off! I found out Friday that I have been accepted to the BYU Nursing Program. I am so incredibly excited! I decided I wanted to go into nursing a few years ago. That's a story for another day, but I have taken a big step towards that goal. It feels so good. I can not only look forward to going on my mission, but also coming home to start the nursing program the Fall semester of 2015. What a blessing.

My family and I just returned home from a two week vacation to Hawaii with my grandparents! It was so much fun! I'm so grateful for the time I have had this summer to spend with my family and friends before my mission. While in Hawaii, we visited the Laie, Hawaii Temple!

What a lovely temple. Mom and I did a session while we were there. We also went into the Visitor's Center and talked to two of the sister missionaries serving there. I'd been feeling anxious and nervous about leaving so soon on my mission, but hearing what they had to tell me brought the excitement back and reminded me why I am going. Someone needs me and I am going to figure out who that is.

Before we left for Hawaii, we had some family pictures done! My sweet Young Woman's Leader from my Laurel years, Marci Freeman, did them. She is amazing.

We also took a few pre-mission pictures as well.

It's starting to feel a little more real. My friend and FHE Brother, Elder Joshua Menden, left for his mission a couple weeks ago! We are going to the same mission and I am so so so grateful! I miss this kid a lot and am excited to see him out in the field! God is good, y'all. I know Elder Menden will do great things and I feel so blessed to follow in his footsteps in just a few more weeks!

The day I got my call

A double date we went on in September



Part of our FHE group! Hermana Amelia White leaves for the Mexico MTC today, Elder Edgar Diaz-Vita and Elder Nebeker are in the Provo MTC, and Hermana Emma Worlton is flying to Peru today. So proud of my BYU family.

Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?

If you've ever encountered these questions rolling around in your mind, this post is for you.

Where did you come from?
Each of us are spirit sons and daughters of God who lived with Him before we were born. Heavenly Father (God) presented a plan to us which would enable us to become like Him. This plan to become like Him included us receiving bodies like He has and coming to Earth to be tested and tried. We knew our time on earth would be difficult, but could see the eternal blessings that awaited for us that we could receive in no other way. Everyone who has been born or will be born onto the earth accepted Heavenly Father's plan and felt joy after we made our decision. So the earth was created for us by Jesus Christ under the direction of the Father. Adam and Eve were then created and placed in the Garden of Eden and given the choice to eat of the fruit or to stay in the garden forever, never having children or not knowing joy because they knew no pain or sorrow. The Fall of Adam and Eve was part of God's plan. In the garden they never would have known good from evil or had the opportunity to endure hardship and trial to become like God.

Why are you here?

Now, in this life on earth, is the time to prepare to meet God. If we live in such a way that pleases God by keeping His commandments and receiving all the necessary ordinances (such as baptism), we can return and live with Him after this life. Because of the Fall, we are in a fallen state or mortality with imperfect bodies and everyone will experience death. The experience of trials such as sickness, death, depression, and many others are part of the plan to refine us. As we experience these trials, we grow and our testimony of God can increase. We learn from our mistakes and strive to do better, but we will make mistakes; this is also part of the plan. Because no imperfect person can live in the presence of God, He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to the earth to suffer for our sins and to overcome death. Jesus Christ lived a perfect life and was baptized as an example to us. In Gethsemane before He was taken to be crucified, He suffered all the pains, afflictions, and sins that anyone who had or would come to the earth would feel. He has felt all your sorrows, not just your sins. He did so that you could repent of the sins you will make, but also so that you will never walk alone in this life. You will never be alone because Christ has felt perfectly everything that you have felt, are feeling, or will yet feel. Christ also overcame death when He was resurrected the 3rd day after His death. Because He was resurrected, we will be also after we die.

Where are you going after this life?

Death is a necessary part or our progression. When we die, our spirits go to the spirit world. Death does not change our personality or the level of our desire for good. Those who chose to obey in life on earth will live in a state of happiness, peace, and rest. When we are resurrected (our bodies and spirits are reunited) we will be brought into God's presence to be judged. We will perfectly remember our actions on earth and those who have repented will be shown mercy. Our God is a just God. All will receive immortality (will live on forever with a perfect body which will no longer be subject to illness or death), but only those faithful during their time on earth will receive Eternal Life which is living with God forever in eternal families (remember how I said you can be with your family forever?). The choice is yours today.

Want more information? Click Here to learn more about this plan or go to mormon.org

I know these things are true! I know Heavenly Father loves us which is why He created this plan and allows us to choose for ourselves.

63 more days until Brazil!

Families Can Be Together Forever

On Friday, I was able to go through the Houston, Texas temple for the first time. In that sacred building, I made promises to my Heavenly Father and was promised great blessings if I will do all that I have promised. 

Temples are all about families. At the end, I walked into the most beautiful room of the temple. The first thing I saw were my parents standing waiting for me, arms around each other, smiling. They rushed forward to give me a hug. I know that this is what Heaven will be like. All those we love that have passed on will be there waiting to welcome us with open arms when the time comes if we have done our part here in this life. I don't think Heaven will feel like Heaven to us without our family there beside us. In the temple, families are sealed together for time and all eternity--It's not "'Til death do us part;" It's forever. This is a blessing everyone can have if they will only do their part. When you are sealed to your family, you know that you will be with your family members after this life. Death only parts us for a moment. What a blessing. I am so grateful for this knowledge that I have through the doctrine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To share this message with others is why I am going on a mission. A missionary is "someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others may be with their family for eternity. " I believe that's true. It won't be easy leaving my family, but I know there are people in Brazil who desperately need the truth that I have.

He Knows You

It has now been a month and a half since I got my call and I've had some time to think. I am so excited to leave, but thinking about the goodbye terrifies me. I had a realization though the other day! Saying goodbye to everyone before I left for college was really hard, but I was fine once I established a new routine. I remember realizing "I guess I was more prepared for this than I thought!" I think this will be similar to what will happen on my mission. I am so thankful for the experiences I have had at BYU. I know the past two semesters has been part of God's way of preparing me to go and do His work.

I want something to be clear: I am not going on a mission to see the world, I am not going simply to learn another language, I am not going because I think it will be fun, and I am not going because of any sort of expectations. I am serving a mission because I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the true church on the earth today. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are the ones directing it today through a living prophet (Thomas S. Monson) and twelve apostles. Jesus Christ directs these men just as He called and led His apostles at the time of His ministry. The Lord still speaks today. How could He ever leave us alone?

This past weekend, I watched General Conference which occurs every April and October. During this conference, God's prophet and apostles speak and give the Heavenly messages needed at this time. My religion professor challenged us to write down three questions before conference began, watch all 4 sessions, and record our thoughts. The Lord answered all three of my questions. I know He is aware of each of us and will provide the answers, guidance, and aid we seek. The Lord was aware of my fears and needs this weekend. One of my greatest fears is leaving my family and friends and not being able to be there for them in the same way I can be now. Henry B. Eyring said in his conference address that as we serve the Lord, God will not only watch over our family and friends but bless them greatly as well. I know they will be in good hands while I am away.

The whole conference was amazing. If you have questions you want answers to, want to learn more about God, need an uplifting message, are curious, or just have a second click this link and go listen: General Conference Highlights
I promise it will be well worth your time.

For the girls thinking about a mission:
Do not feel pressured to go. I think it takes great courage to go and I think it takes great courage to stay. Heavenly Father has a plan for you that is best, allow Him to share that with you and act on it. He will answer you if you sincerely ask, just be patient. If you are feeling like you don't want to go because you are scared, remember the blessings that will come to you and your family. He will give you what you need to fulfill His plan for you.

Life is an adventure with many different paths to choose; He will never leave us to walk alone.

114 more days until another adventure begins!

Falling Into Place

It has now been almost a month since I received my call. Looking back, it's amazing to see how things fell into place. It all started with the announcement back in October that created many more possibilities for my life.

My roommate, Emma, and I had actually missed this announcement because we turned on General Conference late. It was our roommate, Alli, that told us what all the excitement was about. This change hit me really hard and it was not long before the three of us were crying and talking about the possibility of serving a mission. As I actually considered the effects of this change, I was honestly terrified. I had a plan for my life, and although I was grateful for this new opportunity, it came out of nowhere and I did not know what to do with it. I talked to a couple of my aunts who had served missions and to my friend Dan as well. I was trying to learn all I could about what a mission would really be like before making a decision.

During this time, I felt a strong need to be here at BYU. I had friends going through hard times and a girl I was serving as a mentor for. I felt like I was making a difference here and felt peaceful knowing that here is where I was needed.

It is amazing to see how the Lord prepares you and paves the way. Looking back, I think I needed fall semester to mentally get used to the idea of serving a mission. When I came back to BYU for winter semester, I did not feel the responsibility I had felt during fall semester; my friends were doing a lot better and I was not needed in the same way. In addition, I was no longer dating anyone and Emma had moved out. With all of this change, I felt I should reconsider going on a mission. Once I decided to reconsider, I was anxious to find an answer. For a while I felt like I wasn't any closer to deciding yes or no. I decided to talk to my bishop and open my papers to see how I felt as I worked on them. By the time my meeting with the bishop rolled around, I had almost fully decided that serving a mission would be the right thing for me at this time. My assurance grew as I talked to my grandparents and also emailed my cousin, Mitch, who was on a mission in the Philippines. Once I decided to go, everything fell into place. It took a while for my papers to open, but when they finally did, I was able to schedule my physical for later that same day. Within a week and a half of my papers opening, they were submitted.

The Lord always provides a way. I recieved my visa information a little over a week ago and found out they had to be completed in Texas. I began to feel stressed about how everything could be completed and sent to Salt Lake before March 26. After talking with my parents, we bought a plane ticket on Tuesday, I flew home Thursday, completed my visa stuff Friday, flew back to Utah Sunday, my mom drove to Austin, had all the forms authenticated, and sent them to Salt Lake City today. They will reach the church office in SLC on March 20.

I said goodbye to my Grandpa Jim and Grandma Mary yesterday as they leave this week to begin their mission in Nauvoo, Illinois. I am so excited for them! I am eternally grateful for the example my family is to me. Here is a picture from their farewell. My great grandpa is 99. He served a mission as a young man in Denmark and later with his wife as a senior couple in New Zealand. My grandpa served in the Gulf States mission when he was a young man. My grandparents have served missions together in the Salt Lake City Family History Library and now Nauvoo. My cousin Mitchell just returned from a mission in the Philippines. I cannot wait to follow in their footsteps.

135 more days!

Dear Sister Shipp:

You are hereby called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. You are assigned to labor in the Brazil Ribeirao Preto Mission. It is anticipated you will serve for a period of 18 months. You should report to the Brazil Missionary Training Center on Wednesday, July 31, 2013. You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Portuguese language.

Words cannot describe how I am feeling right now. It doesn't seem real. I was not anticipating my mission call this week. I had heard from my Bishop just last Friday that my call had not yet been assigned but was ready for assignment. I had finally accepted that it would be another week when I listened to a voicemail I had received during my Chemistry class. It said "Hi, Maryann. This is Rachel from the Heritage Halls Central Building. I was just calling to let you know that your mission call is here." My heart stopped. I quickly called my mom and explained the voicemail and told her I was going to go see if it was really there. It was! My dad had just gotten to Canada when I called to tell him the news. We arranged to open it at 5:30 at my grandparents to work around a dinner meeting he had that night. I could not believe it was here. I called pretty much everyone. I am so thankful I had not been anticipating it. Heavenly Father must know how much I love surprises!

The time passed by fairly quickly. Before I knew it, I was leaving for my grandparents. We got facetime ready to connect with my dad in Canada; mom, Ashlee, and Josh in Katy; and a few more friends and family members. With family and friends gathered, it was time to open my call!

I read line by line and then saw Brazil. I just became so excited and felt so good about my assignment. My call was for a little later than I had been expecting, but I feel like it was indeed inspired. A later call means more time with friends and family, more time to prepare, and also means I get to visit Nauvoo with my family and watch my grandparents sing and dance on their mission ;)

Just after things died down a little, I found out I had been called to the same mission as my FHE brother, Josh. This is just amazing and comforting that I will at least know one person in my mission from BYU (home away from home).

I am so thankful for the support of all my friends and family. It has meant so much to me. I am so excited to go and serve the Lord and feel so blessed to have this call at this time. What an amazing day. It could not have been better.

My taste of home! I am so glad this girl was able to come be with me while I opened my call.

I got to spend this special occasion with my grandparents before they leave for their mission in Nauvoo!

New, current, and former roommates I am so blessed to have in my life!

The letter that determined it all.