Scott Turney 09-05-14My Story

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie! Oi! Oi! Oi!

My story and biggest life changing experience started when I was 18 years old and received my mission call to the Australia, Adelaide Mission. I was never so excited in my life then to have been going to serve the people there. The only thing that I wish I were told before I jumped on the 22 hour plane ride was “Don’t think about it”. I say this because the first thoughts that came into my mind were, Kangaroos, rugby, and cute little Koalas. Thoughts started to become more dark and fearful, like poisonous snakes, spiders, and thinking of my family and how I’m going be halfway around the world and not going to see them. Words like “how am I going to survive.” I couldn’t sleep; just more and more doubtful thoughts came into my mind. It might seem like I struggled through the two years, but they were the best times of my life. I owe my life to my mission president, all my companions, and the Savior Jesus Christ. Relying on these wonderful people changed and shaped the rest of my life. I got off the plane and the mission president was there to greet us with open arms, and his words in the first interview that stuck with me for the rest of my mission were; “ Your mission is a workshop and what you build is yours to keep forever.” These words were so profound; everything I did was not for myself but for others. Valuable lessons like patience, humility, and dignity, following spiritual promptings, experiencing and believing in miracles. My testimony of families and the teachings of Jesus Christ changed my perspective on how to view the people. I can’t tell you how much I love the people of Australia.

Australians are unique and have their own personalities; they can seem very stubborn and rude. As you get to know them they are some of the most loving and genuine people I have ever met. I’ve never seen people willing to accept someone for who they are, and love them as their own. The native aboriginals accepted me as a brother, it was an incredible experience to live their live style and to see the spirituality and closeness they have to God. I wish I could name individuals that inspire me but I can’t. There are too many. Instead the country of Australia is my inspiration. It is so beautiful and the scenery is breathtaking. My Story started way before but it changed in this country and has influenced me to take further steps in the future to become a teacher; which is what I want to do for the rest of my life.