"You will understand by October"

I just spent over an hour writing out a ridiculously long blog post about my decision, and then I erased the whole thing. If you want to hear the whole story, feel free to call me. But, for this post, I decided to focus on the REAL reason I have made this decision:

I LOVE the gospel of Jesus Christ! I know that it is the true. I love my Savior and know that He died for me. I know that through Him, I can return to live with Heavenly Father and be with my family for all eternity. Through Him, I am able to grow eternally. I know that Heavenly Father loves infinitely. I have no greater desire than to share this with His children. I want to help people understand that they have a loving Heavenly Father. I want to help them feel the power of the Book of Mormon and the Bible. I want them to be with their families forever. There is nothing, in Heaven or Earth more important than this knowledge. If I, Alivia Catherine Burnham, can help assist this work, I will do it. As Elder Holland said: "I will not stop until this work is completed."

I begin my papers tomorrow, to be a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have never felt so strongly that this is what I need to do. I am filled with complete peace. Where there is faith, fear cannot reside. I am putting my trust in the Lord, for truly, it is His plan. I willingly put my hand in His as He leads me along the path of life. Through Him, none can go astray. I am so excited for these next few years, for I know that this is where Heavenly Father needs me.