Well hi there!

This is my first blog ever! The purpose of this blog is mostly for me to vent my excitement about my mission!! I am soooo excited!! And my roommates, friends, family, etc. get kind of tired of hearing me say the same things over and over so hopefully I'll be able to let it all out on here! (Did I mention I am sooooo excited?!?!?!)

So... I should probably introduce myself. My name is Mercedes Lynn Schaerrer, I am 18 and currently a student at Brigham Young University. I am from a tiny town in Utah called Lindon. I have a mom and a dad, a sister, and two cats. I have started my mission papers and I am almost done with them, except I have to wait until September 10th to submit them, and believe me I am counting down the days! I couldn't be more excited to serve the Lord wherever he will send me! (I would be lying if I told you I didn't have specific places that I would like to be called, but if I tell you what they are I won't get called there, at least that's how my luck goes!) I never know what to say in these "introduce yourself" posts. I did marching band in high school and was on the drumline. I play the piano and drums (obviously). I am studying Exercise Science and want to get into a Physician's Assisting program to become a Physician's Assistant and I hope to one day work in a family practice.

I hope that's enough for now because that's all I've got! Sorry!

Anyway, as I kind of mentioned before, this blog is mostly going to be about my mission. Going through the application process, receiving my call, preparing for and serving my mission! Hopefully I can train my mom on how to use this so she can keep it up to date while I'm gone.

Like I said I have started my papers and am basically just waiting. I have the doctor's and dentist's appointments set up for August 19th. I just have to wait until then, and after that I have to wait until September 10th to submit my papers! I could (hopefully) have my call before General Conference!!

Anyway, I think a good way to start out this new experience would be with my testimony.

I know that this gospel is true. I know that God directed Joseph Smith in bringing the restoration of the gospel to this dispensation and I know that he translated the Book of Mormon. I know that the Book of Mormon is true and another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that Christ lived, died for us and our sins, and was risen again. And I know that we too will be resurrected because Christ broke the bands of death for us. I know that because Christ atoned for our sins, we can repent and be forgiven and become clean again. I am so grateful for that oportunity because I definitely need it! I know that President Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet and leader of the church on the earth today and I sustain him as a prophet, seer, and revelator for the entire church. I know that we all have a loving Father in Heaven and He watches over us and loves each and every one of us individually. I have a very, very strong testimony of my personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and I love Him dearly. I know this gospel is true! I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, our savior.

I know that that was a very brief overview of my personal beliefs and the beliefs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but I mean every word. I cannot begin to explain the peace and joy that comes from living the gospel and keeping the commandments.

Thank you for joining me on this journey, I know you're not as excited as I am (duh!), but I think it will be good:)

Until next time!