"As I look back on my mission, I can see the times when the Lord strengthened me, lifted and carried me. Each trial teaching me over and over again, it's not about me."
The call to serve could not have come at a more inconvenient time.
In 2008, my dad passed away. Since my dad wasn’t with me anymore, I felt numb and a bit lost. I needed a change of scenery so I moved to Hamilton to study at Waikato University. I had dreams of becoming an occupational therapist because I saw how therapy helped my mum when she was sick.
However, after my first semester my mum asked me to move back home. She had fallen pretty ill and needed me. Really? I have three brothers! Why can't they do it? That made me so mad!
Months after moving back, I sat with mum and told her I was preparing to serve a full-time mission. I could see myself in the field, working miracles and helping people. I was excited. She supported me and said, “Well, let’s get to work.'
More months passed and we sat down again. In the same lounge where I announced my desire to serve, she asked me to hold off on my plans because she needed me home. She had just been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I cried. Of course for my mum, but partially, and selfishly I was angry at my circumstances. Why me? Why did I have to stay home? What about my brothers?