Beginning Again

Let me introduce myself-

I am Addison James, formally know as Sister James only a few weeks ago.
I am a convert of 6 years and recent return missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I served in the Russia Samara Mission. Arguably the best mission in the world.

I was originally called to serve from December 4, 2013 to June 22, 2015 (which is 18 months gave or take a few weeks due to transfers).

Instead, I came home March 13, 2015. Which was 3 months earlier than previously determined.
The reason being?
Sickness.
I was sick from the Missionary Training Center down to my very last day in Russia. Not to mention the incredibly long and painful plane ride home to Salt Lake City
I was finally diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: class C. Which is not serious. Like at all.
IBS is just another way to say really annoying digestive pain. Some cases definitely worse than others. Depending on the person of course.

So. I received revelation/ prompting/ some sort of awakening or realization towards the end of my mission that when I went home I would help as many people as possible. I figured I would do that through service and other means of physically helping people.
The thought came to me that I needed to write a blog. Which was something that I had never supposed. Because I remember that I had, at one point in my life, tried to keep one and I failed miserably.

But I remembered before my mission I wanted a source that would be able to tell me what to expect on a mission. Especially a mission in Russia. I remembered searching the internet for some well of information that would give me a hint of what a mission would be like. I had not grown up with a background of missionary work. I was not in primary to hear "I Hope They Call Me on a Mission." Some children spend their whole lives preparing for a mission. I had only a few years of conversion to drive me forward.

And so that bring me to why I am here. I am here for you.

There are so many things that happen that I had NO idea about. I over prepared and under prepared myself for so many things. I know that my knowledge is still limited, but I do have some wisdom that I would like to bestow upon you.

I will be talking about 5 important parts of my mission:

1. Preparing to leave
2. The MTC
3. Los Angles Mission:(aka: Visa waiting game)
4. Serving in Russia
5. Coming Home

Before, in-between, and all around these important pieces will be just-as-important information and tips. It is all for YOUR benefit. Though, it will also act as closure and therapy for me. To break down my mission, the things I left too soon. My mission meant everything to me. It was the hardest decision I ever made- to leave.

So there it is.
And here I am- to answer questions and help in anyway I can.

-The one formally know as "Sister James"