From my seat on the right side of the upper balcony, I looked over the Conference Center in reverent awe. I had never attended a session of general conference before. 

It was the Saturday morning session of October 2012 general conference. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square had opened with “How Firm a Foundation” — one of my favorite hymns — and an opening prayer was given. 

I was an 18-year-old freshman at Brigham Young University at the time. Weeks into my first semester, I was homesick for my family in Alabama and grateful for the invitation to attend conference with my uncle and cousin. The session had barely begun, and I already felt the peace and comfort I was longing for.

President Henry B. Eyring, then first counselor in the First Presidency, announced President Thomas S. Monson, then President of the Church, would be the first speaker. My eyes followed President Monson as he stood from his seat and walked the few steps to the pulpit to address the near-capacity crowd. I could hardly believe I was actually there, in the same room as the Prophet. 

With his characteristic voice inflection — the voice of a storyteller — President Monson recounted the three temple dedications and one rededication that had taken place since the last conference. He announced locations for two new temples: Tucson, Arizona, and Arequipa, Peru. 

With a captive audience, President Monson then turned to another matter — missionary service. 

For some time, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles had allowed young men from certain countries to serve at the age of 18, President Monson explained. The missionaries’ faithfulness, obedience and maturity caused the Brethren to desire the same option for all young men. 

“I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service beginning at the age of 18, instead of age 19,” President Monson declared. 

Several people in the rows around me raised eyebrows at each other, exchanging smiles and excitement. As I began processing what this announcement meant and the young men I knew that this might impact, I almost missed what President Monson said next. 

“As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve,” President Monson continued. My ears perked up. 

“Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21.”

My mouth fell open in shock. It seemed as if everyone in the Conference Center gasped at once, followed by a palpable wave of silence. My chest swelled with warmth and tears of joy rolled down my cheeks.

“We assure the young sisters of the Church … that they make a valuable contribution as missionaries, and we welcome their service,” President Monson said. 

His last four words penetrated my heart. Though I was one of 21,000 in the Conference Center and millions more watching and listening around the world, I felt as if the Lord was talking directly to me through President Monson: “We welcome [your] service.”   

The hymn the choir sang following President Monson’s opening remarks could not have been more inspired: “Lord, I Would Follow Thee.”

President Monson’s announcement and the personal invitation from the Spirit to serve a mission came at a time when I was praying to know the next step in my life plan. An experience in high school serving with my family in an inner-city branch had sparked my desire to serve a mission, but 21 years old seemed so far away. Now I could prepare to go within the year. 

Sister Sydney Jorgensen is pictured in Rio Acima, São Paulo, Brazil in October 2014. She served in the Brazil São Paulo North Mission.

Sydney Walker

I worked on my missionary application the following semester and received my mission call in May 2013. I was assigned to the Brazil São Paulo North Mission. A few weeks after my 19th birthday, I entered the Provo Missionary Training Center on Sept. 25, 2013. I served in the California Sacramento Mission for six months while awaiting my visa, and finished my 18-month service in Brazil. 

As I reflect on all that has transpired in my life over the last 10 years because of the opportunity I had to serve a mission sooner than expected, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I learned to trust the Lord, even when — and especially when — things aren’t going as planned. My education, career, marriage and family have fallen into place better than I could have ever imagined. I know the Lord is guiding my path. 

— Sydney Jorgensen Walker is a reporter for the Church News.