Signs of a Recent Return

You may have recently returned from a mission in South America if...

You cross the street and stop in the middle of the road.
Your casual walk is thrice the pace of those around you.
Words like "niño", "bueno", or "nosotros" just slip right out of your mouth.
You contact people who are waiting for the bus on your way to church.
You ask, "Among all the books you've read this year, did you read the Book of Mormon?"
You give besos to girls on the cheek when you greet them.
You feel weird when you are alone with your brother's roommate.
You feel most comfortable in the Spanish Branch.
You want to make sure there's another female present before entering any house.
You put the knives and forks on the same side while setting the table.
You only want to listen to Christmas music and watch churchy videos.
You feel like you should have a companion in order to visit people.
You want bread to accompany your meals.
You dish the food on the plates before you serve them.
You keep checking to make sure you didn't lose your name tag.
You sing church and Christmas songs in Spanish all day.
You eat more at lunch than at any other meal.
You prefer washing dishes by hand.
You're not afraid to talk to sketchy-looking people.
You have a low cold-tolerance.
You have no idea what movies or songs have come out recently.
You cannot for the life of you end a conversation in English on the telephone.
You need to talk things out with a companion.
You don't realize that people have started dating other people since you've been gone,
And you forget how normal social interaction goes,
But don't worry.  
You've always been awkward.  
This is just a new variety.

Una Misionera

As you know, I claim to be a nonconformist.

Now, your new existential quest is to determine the truthfulness of the above statement...

And then ponder why it's your quest...

Anyway, back to my division from mainstream thought:

I am going on a mission, much like most of the Mormon world.

However, I am not going because everyone else is.

Not for an adventure in South America.
Not solely to learn Spanish.
Not because it's expected of me.
Not to postpone graduation.
Not because I need a way to blow several grand.

And not because I'm 21 and unmarried.

I am going because the message I'll be sharing has brought me immeasurable joy.

That's it! That's the reason! The Gospel of Jesus Christ makes me happy!

So, I'm going to spend the next 18 months of my life sharing it and loving all the rewards and challenges.

It won't be easy by any means, but I've determined to love it all.