hello!

[lanjoh]

just want to say hello to all those serving and all those leaving soon.. I'm leaving in Jan. and can hardly stand the wait!! Anyone else feel the same way? Any help on prepping myself spiritually or any other way will be 100% appreciated! =)

[bulgarboy]

Congrats!

I don't have much specific advice--I think you'll get plenty of pointers from family and friends.  I served in BG from '03 to '05, and my wife and I will be headed there for 3 1/2 months starting next August to do an internship, so I might see you over there. 

If you have any specific questions, let the forum know.

Take care,

Tony

[Blindspot]

You already know what to do.  Anything I could say would just be redundant: Read the Book of Mormon and solidify your testimony.

Now...what not to do:  There is a common misconception that you should "take a big drink before going into the desert" or in other words, that you should live it up with the time you have left.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

First, you're not going into a desert, neither physically nor figuratively.  The transition to being a missionary shouldn't be one of shock, but of more simply a matter of changing your clothes.  Of course it's more than that, but I'm sure you understand what I'm saying.  Don't come here thinking of what you've left behind.  You won't enjoy yourself very much until you get your head in the right place.  Instead, think of what you're going to.  And why.  Although two years might sound like a long time, it will seem like just a blink.  You don't want to spend it yearning for the things you haven't got.  I'm not saying you should be a monk before you go...but focus on what's coming next and not what you're leaving behind.

Second, Bulgaria is a great place.  If you prepare spiritually before you come, and do your best in the MTC, and work hard in the mission field, you'll find that you have a whole new treasure.  You shouldn't look at is as leaving home so much as venturing into the Lord's Vineyard for some harvesting...and you get to keep what you pick!  The friendships you make and the lessons you learn on your mission will be the moral backbone for your life.

So don't think "Gee...It's going to be a while before I fill in the blank again.  It's counterproductive.  Instead think "Gee...I can't wait to share the Gospel that I love!"

Good luck with your preparations.  I currently live in Bulgaria and we need humble, spiritual missionaries who are committed to help us grow in our branches.  There is a good chance we'll meet when you get here.

Take care.

[lanjoh]

well, i am reading the Book of Mormon and am almost finished! i made it a goal to read it before i enter the MTC. and the advice from blindspot, when you said it's not a good idea to take a drink before entering the desert, i really needed that. i have been studying harder and praying harder listening to the spirit more than i ever have before ever since i got my call. but lately, i feel like im not pushing myself enough. that advice was perfect timing tho! thank you and i look forward to meeting both of you guys.

blagodarya!
(i hope that's right)

[andersonhyrum]

lanjoh...Are you reporting in on 23 also?

[lanjoh]

ya!