Why did I go on a mission?

Hey everyone,

   I've been asked this questions many times in the last year. And don't worry I've asked myself that same question sometimes. Why would I decided that leaving my family, friends, school, and work to go to a place I've never been and to knock on people's doors and ask them if they would like to listen to the message I have to share with them.
I knew coming on a mission that not everyone would want to listen to me. That doors would be slammed on my face, that I would have really hard days that I wouldn't want to get out of bed. I would probably cry myself to sleep, and that I would not be present for a lot of special events back home.
But I've really thought about this a lot recently. "Why did I, Aubrey Phillips decide to go on a mission?"
Here is my answer:
        Everyone told me I should serve a mission, that I would be great and learn so much from my 18 months of service. I thought it sounded like a good idea but I decided to put it on the back burner, it wasn't really a high priority for me. As time went on, it was as if God was screaming at me with different signs that I should serve a mission. The historical moment of the missionary age change, everyone around me kept talking about their missions, and than I just had this burning desire to get one of those Black name tags.
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Yup, that name tag right there.

Now that sounds like a horrible reason for going on a mission. But for me I knew what that name tag would mean. That right there along my name would be my Saviors name. That was a big deal for me.
I also knew that as I grew up a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, because I was apart of His church that I was waking up everyday with a purpose. That there was more to life than just waking up and going to work. But that I am important, that even though I had hard days that my Savior Jesus Christ suffered every single one of my pains. That He knew what I was feeling, that I wasn't EVER alone. Every fiber in my body wanted to be able to give that to someone else. To watch as they came to know that their sins can be washed away FOREVER. That the Gospel of Jesus Christ can answer every question you have. I wanted to share that with everyone. I wanted to stand on a mountain and yell it to everyone.

3 Nephi 5:13
    13 Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

Now, I can tell you all that it is worth it, every single day. (Even the bad days are worth it) because I have been able to share His message with people. I love being able to watch the Spirit touch their hearts.  I love that I have been called of God.
I know that Heavenly Father has lead me here. I'm so blessed. And I'm so grateful to be serving a mission.
I also have no doubt in my mind this is where I'm suppose to be. The people I've meet and continue to meet. My testimony as it increases everyday with the many different experiences.
Yes I've have missed some very special things back home like my little brother being called on a mission, or the birth of a niece. But I know my Heavenly Father is proud of my choice to serve. And I'm grateful he has given me this chance.