Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Called to Serve

I had one of the best days ever yesterday. And we didn't go anywhere cool, no jumping off bridges or playing with baby lions....

I was able to be a missionary.

I met a girl named Ashrina at one of Ben's soccer games last week. We talked the whole time and really had a blast together. She was amazed at mine and Ben's relationship. She couldn't believe we were married and were actually happy together. She asked me all sorts of questions about how we make it work and why we're so happy and what I love about him and so forth. Man, I'd never had to answer questions like that to a stranger! Good thing it's true so it wasn't too hard...

Anyway, she was in town for this week (she's from Durban) staying with a friend but didn't have a whole lot to do so I told her I'd call her and we'd hang out. Yesterday, I picked her up and we spent the whole day together. We had a lot of fun and we have so much in common! We started off finding out that we were both F.R.I.E.N.D.S. lovers and had fun watching a couple episodes. After that she saw our wedding DVD and wanted to watch that. It is my favorite thing in the whole world so it was really fun to watch. She was really really touched and got pretty emotional. She started crying and said that she hoped she could find love like that someday, but that she was pretty sure it wouldn't ever happen. She went on to say that she was feeling something she had never felt before.

She said, "I am feeling something so strong right now. I felt it when I first met you guys. There was something about you. I called my sister and told her that I had met this amazing couple and they were actually happy together! That there was just something about them. I couldn't describe the feeling."

Enter missionary.

I told her that in all honesty, the reason she felt what she did was because of the church we belonged to. She had never heard anything about "mormons" and was very interested in learning more. I am amazed at how many people there are out here that don't know anything about us. There is so much work to be done!

I have always wanted to serve a mission, and am so happy I am able to have these opportunities. I knew coming here that it would be my "mini-mission." But I really didn't expect to find people as willing to learn and searching like this. This is my second "big one," as well as a girl from Germany from our Botswana trip.

We ended up talking about our church for 5 HOURS! I think I made up my own "discussions" but got through everything I could possibly think of. It was amazing. We connected so quickly and I was able to bare my testimony multiple times and she was crying and I was crying and IT ROCKED.

I gave her a Book of Mormon and some other materials and she is going to read them! She also wants to come to church with us. She's so excited to get home and tell her sister and mom about it.

What a great day.

The church is true folks. It really is. And for the first time in my life, I'm witnessing the things that missionaries get to experience everyday. That twinkle, that light that comes on. The change and happiness it brings to people who are searching.

I love being here in Africa. I am so overwhelmed with happiness and joy and appreciation to my Heavenly Father that I was able to be BORN into the true church. HOW BLESSED WE ARE!

13 comments:

Sarah said...

Way to be an awesome missionary camille. You are great!

Megan said...

Nice work Camille! What an amazing girl you are and such an inspiration to everyone! Keep up the good work!

Whittney Clark said...

You made me cry!! You are such a great example to all those that are touched by your sweet spirit. I love you Camille!

Lauren Tatton said...

I love being in the mission field! You are amazing! You are a strong woman! The church is true! :) I love Bro. A!

Mariah said...

Oh wow! That is so cool. Way to go, Camille!

Jamie said...

Wow that is so neat! Keep up the good work! Let us all know how it turns out! The church is true!! ;)

Eric and Alexis Beus said...

It made me cry as well, just reading it! That is amazing and I am so jealous that you are able to find people that are so willing! Keep us posted on what happens!! As everyone else has said, the church is true!!!

Chelsie said...

that got me all choked up reading it. way to go camille! what an amazing experience!

paige and jord said...

that is so awesome camille! i wanted to serve a mission so bad, (i guess i chose marriage instead :) but its so great to have missionary experiences, and to hear about others- way to step up to the plate! keep it up

bsafam said...

Hi Camille!

I visited with your mom last week and she gave me your blog address. I just spent the last little bit catching up on your life....what great experiences you are having! It is so exciting! Your photos are beautiful. If you don't mind I will pop in from time to time to catch up. It's fun to keep up.

Beckki Endicott

Brenton and Andrea said...

That is totally awesome! Isn't the chuch so amazing! Best gift you could share! :) Now I just need you to come back to Utah to take some awesome pics! :) Miss ya!

The Imperfect Pie said...

Camille--

You're simply...amazing. Good for you and I can't wait to hear about what becomes of it all. YOu planted an amazingly important seed.

Janelle

Haylie said...

Camille! PLEASE! My makeup!!! You make me cry! I love it. You're amazing. It's obvious that you and Ben were directed to go to South Africa, to have the adventures you're having. It's inspirational. You don't have to be a full-time missionary to share the gospel.

You're still my inspiration!

Loves