It isn't fate. It isn't destiny.
It is just how things were meant to happen.
I was in band class. Elder Brague came up and began discussing an opportunity we could have to serve as a performing missionary in Nauvoo, IL. I thought, "Ya know, that would be kinda cool..... Sure, why not?"
Then as the deadline approached, I thought I should probably get practicing... hahaha.... I worked with my teacher and practiced on my own. Then I planned how I would film myself. In my kitchen using my laptop. I mean, I didn't have any resources to go anywhere else.... Unfortunately, my laptop wasn't working and I was freaking out. So my lovely roommate suggested I use a camera.... (wow em, seriously? haha) She spent about an hour to film me, I will always be eternally grateful. After several takes, I thought, I guess that is the best I can do.......
I mailed it in and prayed it would get there in time, and it did! Then I waited..... and waited..... not knowing and honestly, I wasn't too worried. I wanted to know, but I wasn't at the point where I would die if I wasn't finalist, that sort of thing....
Then I got the email saying I was a finalist and my interest significantly rose... I thought, "I filmed myself in my kitchen and they still want to hear me??" haha I was in disbelief, but it made me want to really work for this call back audition which was Jan 5th. Literally 2 days ago.
I worked for my audition. I practiced. I worked my mind, telling myself I could do it and these people really WANT to hear me. (I was still doubting that they had emailed the right girl....) When I went to the audition, I was sitting waiting to go warmup, thinking I had a good 30 min, but nope. 5 min passed and I was asked to warm up for the audition. I was like, OK. I bent over to pull up my tights and of course I rip a huge run and a hole in them.....
I said, this is a sign bad luck, isn't it???? People laughed thinking I was being funny, but I was SERIOUS!
I warmed up and felt good. When I went into the audition the people there were these cute little old men. I talked with them and they were so NICE! It made me very comfortable, but my audition itself.... eh. I have done better.
Then they had a luncheon for all the auditioners... That is what changed my whole perspective. They had past missionaries come and bear the testimonies. I remember one girl said, "ya know, you are here for a reason. Whether it be to meet certain people, or be invited into the program or at least have the experience of auditioning. But you are here for a reason."
They sang songs and I felt the spirit so strong. I knew without a doubt this was something I WANTED! No longer an opportunity, but something I really wanted.
That night was spent saying a lot of prayers. I realized something as well.
God doesn't plan out our entire life. "Oh that girl was meant to drink that soda." No. Those are our choices. But after we have made choices and tried and made efforts, then He exercises His power in our life.
I made the choice to take the information paper and learn about this program.
I made the choice to film myself for the audition DVD. (and i didn't give up when my laptop didn't work out)
I made the choice (with the help of my sis and bro in law) to go to SLC and do the call back audition.
I made the choice to practice.
I made the choice to say my prayers and ask for help.
I made the choice to accept whatever the outcome would be.
Then. And only then did God put forth His hand and allowed for this opportunity to come to me.
Everything happens for a reason.
If you don't believe it, then re-read my story.
I auditioned in a college kitchen. Bad video quality and I wasn't perfect. I didn't practice much before the SLC audition. My call back audition was not great..... But I still tried. I still put forth my best effort.
How did I get invited to be a part of this program if I wasn't perfect?
I don't know.... my mind works on the idea that "if you are meant to do something, to meet someone, etc. you will meet them, but only based on the choices you make."
I am so grateful for this chance to go to Nauvoo. I know it can change my life, only if I let it and I work my BUTT off!
I also expect to see all of you in Nauvoo this summer! :)
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