I was listening to EFY soundtracks when the audio turned off. It took a few more random silences to make me realize my phone was on silent and the music turned off every time someone called me.
I was driving on the freeway and could hear my mom warning me "NOT TO LOOK AT OR TALK ON MY CELLPHONE AND BE CAREFUL DRIVING" so I ignored it for a while. Finally, I noticed my roommate was calling and answered to let her know that her pants were in my car and my car was on its way back to Kaysville. They were cutting it close so her parents would pick them up at my house later.
Then, about 20 minutes from home, I ran into heavy traffic. I was already anxious to get home, get the clogging costume returned, and get out of my car. Then my mom called. She told me my call was here. My heart leapt and sank simultaneously. MY call?? Here at my house? Waiting for me to open it???? I could hardly breathe and I tried not to think about it too much. Forget phones being a distraction while driving, imagine thinking about what country and language you'd be in for the next year and a half of your life! I was freaking out.
Finally, I made it home in one piece, although millions of scattered thoughts refused to be pieced into calm.
My mom informed me people were coming over at 4. So I had about 3 hours to wait.
I couldn't even look at my call.
It was like a looming, uncertain, exciting, mysterious letter from Hogwarts. Did I get in or not? Was I a witch or a muggle? There was just too much in that letter. Too much emotion, hype, anticipation, preparation.
The mail lady became quite acquainted with my mom following the days I turned in my papers. She said she'd look out for the call and deliver it personally. My mom really wanted to be there for the delivery, but saw the mail truck going up Crestwood on her way to ballet drop-off. She felt like the call was here and that she was on her way to bestow it upon the Dopp House. She was right!! Ruby answered the door and took the envelope and immediately called me. I was in the car, but I still have her enthusiastic, hysterical voicemail telling me the news.
Perhaps Tolly's pipecleaner wand sped up the mailing process?
Lauren, Becca and Jess, Dance Company friends
BELOW ARE MY MOM'S WORDS
And then Golda opened the envelope and read the sacred words, "Dear Sister Dopp." Those three words carried a wind of divinity, as if they brought upon us the full weight of Golda's calling and responsibility for the next year and a half. Those three words ushered in the whole thing. It began.
And then she continued reading, "You are hereby called to serve as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." As she said the word "saints," she saw where she was going. Her breath caught, and she took a step backwards before continuing, "You are assigned to labor in the China Hong Kong Mission." A roar went up from the crowd. After all the waiting and speculating, the hoping and praying, the conjecturing, this is the call that we all knew was perfect beyond our understanding.
She leaves June 29, the first possible day she could leave, after her availability date. She is going to learn Cantonese. Cantonese! It has nine tones! I can scarcely believe that Golda will be able to understand and speak such a difficult language. It's said to be second only to Navajo in difficulty. I know Golda can do it. If anyone can, it's Golda. I'm overwhelmed by her faith and humility, and grateful beyond measure for the example she sets for all of us, especially her younger siblings. I can't imagine anything more faith-promoting than to be in the room for the feeling of a call like this. Thank you, Golda, for bringing this happiness into our lives. We are so proud of you, you can't even imagine.
HERE'S MINE
Right before everyone began arriving, I was still feeling anxious. I didn't want to read my call with a worried heart, so I went to my backyard with my Book of Mormon in hand. I read the scripture I wanted as my Mission Scripture; Alma 29:9.
I said a prayer to Heavenly Father to be peaceful and be happy and excited about wherever I was called. I wanted to know it was right and to have the faith to trust Him. I wanted to feel exuberant about wherever I went.
Heavenly Father knew the intents of my heart. He knew I wanted to serve a foreign mission and learn a language, even though I'd been praying to be content with literally anywhere in the world. I had a feeling I would go somewhere I hadn't thought of very much. Which was a challenge since I had read every possible mission a couple of times. The feeling of going Stateside was, I think, just a precaution for not getting my hopes up. But as I thought more about it, I realized a Stateside mission would be equally as amazing, challenging, and life-changing. But still, deep down, I wanted to serve foreign.
At the end of my prayer, I felt so much peace. It was peaceful, but thrilling. It was a feeling I had never felt before. I was looking out over the wild ditch of my backyard, a truly beautiful and sprawling view, and I felt like I was on the brink of something amazing. I feel like Heavenly Father gave me a taste of the potential and adventure ahead. I felt like the whole world was at my feet.
Finally, I felt ready to open the envelope. My hands were a little shaky, but I was finally ready to just know!!
I tried not to see the specific place before reading them, but I think I skipped down a bit early. When I held it in my hands, I felt calm and eager to know. The words China Hong Kong Mission were suddenly in sight. I knew everyone, especially my mom, would be excited about this unexpected, exotic place. Xanthe was adopted from China and everyone knew my desire to go foreign. So I read the words China Hong Kong really loud and clear so that everyone could hear. The crowd burst into applause and audible gasps and laughing was heard.
I could not believe it!
I kept reading and couldn't believe the line "You will prepare to preach the gospel in the Cantonese language." A few months ago I didn't even know what Cantonese was or ever heard of it! Then my assigned date: JUNE 29th!!!!! That was the day I was hoping for-the soonest possible date I could leave. I looked at my mom when I read that, because I knew we were both relieved and excited about that.
It was so much fun to read it again and surprise her. We got to relive the excitement all over again. She was ecstatic for me. She is so generous and genuine and just good. I'm so lucky to have her as a friend. I'm pretty sure our friendship had its beginning in the premortal life.
Mission president Lam and his wife!
I never get tired of reliving this.
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