- The name is Andrea
- I am 19
- I am about to be baptized LDS (Mormon)
- I used to be Christian
- I am an only child
- I am a full time student at Dixie
- I work full time at a call center
- I was born on a Naval Base
- I don't know my biological father, and am okay with it
- I have lived in Michigan, South Carolina, Nevada, and Utah
- I graduated in June 2011 from Boulder City High School
- My favorite color is yellow, but I love all neon colors
- I struggle with my self esteem, and self image
- My favorite thing that I did in high school was manage the wrestling team for 3 years
- Love texting
- Technology Addict
The Beginning:
I have not always known about the LDS religion. I had my first encounter learning about it when I moved to Boulder City, Nevada in the fall of my eighth grade year in 2006. I realized that there were some things different about people in my school. I was then informed that they were "Mormons." Mormons to me at the time were weird, and not in my league of friends. I then however ended up making friends with them and found out they were in the end just like me. I didn't really think much of the difference in religion sine I grew up in a split religion household. Once I got into high school and really learned what the differences were I was a little creeped out by the LDS religion. I had my first taste of what the religion was about when I was a junior and was invited by a friend who was a member of the church to go to what was considered to me "Winter Camp." I believe that I was the only nonmember at the camp, but that was okay because they didn't treat me any different and I was able to learn what it was about. I didn't feel that it was true however. Then just a few months later I graduated high school, and moved on into what we call the real world.( I guess I should add at this point I was actively involved with my church of the Assembly of God all through out high school.) Once I graduated I moved to St. George, UT to attend Dixie State College. Everyone warned me about the missionaries and about converting. I claimed that I was never going to conver nor listen to the missionaries. My first run in with the missionaries didn't go that well. I met with them just to get everyone off my back. I was living in Utah for crying out loud. I then told them after meeting with them the first time that it wasn't for me at the time and I wasn't ready for it. So they stopped coming and that was the end of that. I then went on with my first taste of freedom, partying, dating, and being in a different state than any of my family. In the end of the semester I made the decision to move from Utah to South Carolina, and take the spring semester off and return to school in the fall in South Carolina at University of South Carolina Lancaster Campus. That however wasn't the path that God had chosen for me. This past June I returned to St. George after being away for six months to go back to school at DSC. I was never so happy to be back in a town before. I moved in with two of the best roommates I could ask for. A week later our fourth and final roommate moved in. I am so beyond blessed for these three amazing women in my life even if I am the youngest one in the house. Its okay though. I am yet again the only one in my "apartment" of four that is not a member. I had a fear that the missionaries were going to stop by and for the first two and a half weeks that was the case. Noone but neighbors and friends came to our door. Then out of the blue on June 23, 2012 my life changed... For the better. Two missionaries: One from South Carolina. One from Australia. Walked into my life. I can honestly say at this point right now I would be lost with out them. They started teaching me the book of Mormon and about the Prophets, Priest hood, and Church. I invited them in with an open heart, willing mind, and a chance to change my life possibly. I can say that they have more than changed my life. I have struggled in the past with depression, self image, self esteem, cutting, and being beyond boy crazy that it was only hurting me in the end. Once they started coming over and teaching me, my life drastically changed. I felt myself being willing, being more happy, and wanting to be with people and letting people see the real me. I guess that brings me to today.
The Present:
Today is 7/7/12 or July 7th, 2012. I have made the decision to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on July 2, 2012. We set a date, and many people that love and care about me are coming out to watch me get baptized. I am beyond excited for it. This is just the beginning of my journey.
The reason behind this blog:
For I know that this is the plan Christ had set for me, and I am just following his commandents and doing the right thing. I have found that the LDS religion is true and that it will change your life if you are willing and receptive. As I have found. There is so much detail to go into. I feel that this is all that needs to be said right now. I know that I am happy where I am, and the places that I still have to go. I also know that most people in my life love me, but will not be supportive of my decision. Another post will be about the struggles I have come to face with making this decision, and how I have come to deal with them. I just want to say thank you for reading, supporting me, loving me, and standing beside me as I take this journey. I will update this as often as I feel the need to (which will be often!) I hope that you understand me just a little more after you read the posts.
Love lots. Pray always. Faithful forever.
Andrea
