Hey again! Shayley here. Just decided I'd let everyone know that I'm currently preparing to go on a mission. I came to that conclusion during October General Conference. The week before conference in Sunday school, we were told to go to conference with a question in mind. I figured I'd ask about serving a mission, again. I prayed about it, and study a lot during that next week. I was kinda expecting a "not yet" answer again, because that was the answer I had gotten the last 4 times I asked. I knew I was in a different place in my life now, so I was hoping I'd get a go ahead answer. 
     We turned conference on Saturday morning. I was sitting in my Batman snuggy with my journal and pen ready to take notes. President Monson starting the Saturday session. His talk was on missionary work. He started out saying how large our missionary force had gotten, and continued saying "The holy scriptures contain no proclamation more relevant, no responsibility more binding, no instruction more direct than the injunction given by the resurrected Lord as He appeared in Galilee to the eleven disciples. Said He, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizingthem in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”²The Prophet Joseph Smith declared, “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel.”³ Some of you here today will yet remember the words of President David O. McKay, who phrased the familiar “Every member a missionary!”" I knew right then that it was my turn. I felt it so strongly. I cried, like literally just sat there crying. I knew that I needed to prepare to serve a mission. 
     As I thought about it I thought I might wait about a year so I could get the funds necessary. Almost as if he heard my thoughts, Pres. Monson said "To help maintain our ever-increasing missionary force, I have asked our members in the past to contribute, as they are able, to their ward missionary fund or to the General Missionary Fund of the Church. The response to that request has been gratifying and has helped support thousands of missionaries whose circumstances do not allow them to support themselves. I thank you for your generous contributions. The need for help is ongoing, that we might continue to assist those whose desire to serve is great but who do not, by themselves, have the means to do so." Well there was my answer. I needed to start immediately. I have a few personal goals I want to finish, but I want my papers in at least by the end of January. I was going to keep it hush-hush until my papers are in, but with my mom telling friends, and me wanting to share my excitement, I figured I'd tell everyone now. I met with the bishop yesterday, and have my dental appointment, and physical this next week. It's going to be a rough, nerve wracking, next couple months, but it's totally going to be worth it. I am so excited. Beyond excited. It's finally my turn.