Although I started this blog for my photography business, life has taken a few interesting turns, so my photography will be put on hold for a little while. Despite giving up my camera and discontinuing my "word-of-mouth" advertising, I felt the need to type up at least one more blog post before I disappear for 18 months. Why? Well...because I'd like to talk about what is so important that it could keep me from photography.
As most (if not all) of you know, I have chosen to serve an 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This means that I will be packing 2 suitcases containing a few skirts, blouses, and scriptures, leaving behind the majority of my worldly possessions, as well as my friends and family, and flying to a land that I have never been to, in order to teach and serve a group of people I have never met. Sounds a bit intimidating doesn't it? At least it does to me. To be perfectly honest, I'm scared out of my mind. But at the same time, I couldn't be more excited. I'm excited to meet new people, to be a part of a different culture, and to face the adventures that await me.
Most importantly though, I am excited to teach what I know to those who do not yet possess the same knowledge. In the New Testament in the book of St. Matthew, it says that Jesus taught, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:14-16). In other words, if you have a light, or a knowledge, get out there and share it. It's cruel to leave people in the dark. Besides, when you have something truly wonderful (like a warm blanket) it's in your nature to want to share it with the people you love (wouldn't want your friends and family freezing to death now would we ;] ).That is why I have made the decision to serve a mission. I want to show others the light that I have found through Christ, so that they may stop stumbling through the darkness of this world.
I can hardly wait to reach out to people who are not aware that they are children of God; to tell them of their divine inheritance and eternal destiny. I want to share the joy that I feel knowing that death is not the end, and that love truly can withstand the test of time. Life has a purpose. And everyone has the right to know what it is.
That is why I am serving a mission.
To serve.
To love.
To teach.
That is why I am giving up photography.
But don't you worry. I'll be back soon enough ;)
