In this episode, Whitney discusses how any inadequacies she may have felt before her mission went away when she knew of her love for God. Offering guidance and counsel to those facing similar struggles, she encourages listeners to align their will with God's. Whitney candidly shares her experiences navigating challenging moments during her mission and highlights how she remained committed to serving others despite those difficulties.

In this episode, Morgan dives into her mission experience, sharing personal stories about how she relied on and trusted in the Lord. She recounts overcoming challenges during high school, utilizing her gifts and talents to bless the lives of those in California, and emphasizes the importance of embracing a life of lasting discipleship.

In this episode, we talk  about the enriching experiences of serving a mission with Avanlee. She highlights the profound lessons learned and the cherished moments shared while on serving in North Carolina. Avanlee emphasizes the importance of embracing life at every stage, she touches on the essence of Southern hospitality and her deep affection for the individuals she encountered and taught. Additionally, she candidly discusses the temporary challenges encountered as a sister missionary....

In this episode, Maddy opens up about her life experiences, she goes into the challenges she faced during high school and how turning to God provided peace during those tough times. She reflects on the anticipation of receiving her mission call amidst COVID, expressing both frustration and relief upon finally receiving her assignment and the peace that followed. Throughout her life, from her freshman year at BYU Hawaii to her missions in Colorado and Italy and returning home, she shares...

In this episode, Drew shares her stories of how, when things in life don't go as planned, you can pivot and, most importantly, turn to lean on God. She speaks of mission experiences and expresses gratitude for the counsel given by her mission leaders. They advised her not just to play the part of a disciple of Jesus Christ on her mission but to truly learn to become one. Drew opens up about personal struggles, including dealing with weight gain during her mission, and how she found solace in...

In this episode, Brooklyn shares her life experiences from growing up in Texas with a loving family and support system to serving a mission in Germany, during the same time as two of her sisters. However, her mission took a turn when, just three months into her mission, she got seriously sick, enduring four weeks of this debilitating sickness. Eventually, Brooklyn was  to return home to seek medical help for a condition that continues to affect her life today.  Throughout her life, Brooklyn...

In this episode, Gracie shares more about her mission and her eagerness to teach the people of Germany about the joy and blessings that come from the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She discusses her decision to serve a mission and the feelings that come when trying to decide what to do with your life. Gracie also shares humbling experiences and stories about her mission and how they have shaped her testimony today.

In this episode, Preston shares his experiences of his desire to serve a mission from a young age. From watching cousins serve to attending a semester of college before leaving on his own mission, and then finally receiving the call to serve in Hong Kong. He  discusses the challenges he faced upon having to return home early due to Covid and being reassigned to Sacramento. Preston advises listeners to cultivate a passion for missionary work and to actively seek ways to strengthen your...

In this episode, Bailee opens up about her personal experiences growing up in Utah and her involvement in church films. She candidly shares the setbacks she faced before her mission, which ultimately shaped her into the person she is today. Her time serving as a missionary in Florida held a special place in her heart as she developed a profound love for the people there and deepened her relationship with the Savior. Bailee also discusses the unexpected mental health challenges she...

Sarah shares her experiences growing up, attending BYU, and serving a mission in Cambodia. She shares personal stories that have deepened her connection to Christ. Throughout the podcast, she offers advice and shares her motto on finding the good in every situation!

In this episode, Olivia shares her experiences growing up in Davis County, attending school away from home, serving a mission in England, and getting married. She highlights the importance of following promptings and maintaining a positive attitude, emphasizing how these qualities can bring blessings into one's life.

In this episode, Claire discusses the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in every aspect of life, emphasizing how that can lead to happiness and rewards. She shares her experiences before her mission and during her time in Washington and Peru, highlighting how these experiences have shaped her into the person she is today. Claire emphasizes how overcoming hardships in life can bring you closer to Christ and foster a personal relationship with the Savior.

In this episode, Marissa discusses how the decision to serve a mission may be different for everyone. She shares personal experiences about obstacles that could have stopped her from serving but emphasizes the importance of heeding promptings. Marissa addresses the challenges that you go through during a mission and highlights the joy you feel when you truly focus on the people you are there for.  Although returning home from a mission might be hard for some, by continually reflecting on your...

In this episode, we talk more about the essence of trusting in yourself and in God when making important decisions. We explore the profound beauty and joy living  the Gospel of Jesus Christ  and the happiness it can bring into our lives. Ashlee elaborates on how have a positive perspective has blessed her life and the lives of her loved ones.

In this episode, Nate opens up and takes us through his decision to serve a mission, even after experiencing an exceptional first year playing football in college. He emphasizes the significance of staying committed to decisions and putting our faith and trust in the Lord, even when the outcomes are uncertain. Nate speaks more about  the challenges he faced and discusses the factors that aided him in overcoming a particularly difficult situation. His example of discipline, hard work, and...

In this episode, Lanie shares more about her mission experience in Paris, France. From growing up on the East Coast to attending Utah State, opening her mission call in the Sacred Grove, returning home and marrying her husband, and raising her kids in San Francisco and Portland, Lanie makes a daily commitment to live the Gospel. She emphasizes the significance of pursuing what matters most to you and continually striving to strengthen your testimony.

In this episode, Tim Pingree, affectionately known as President Pingree to missionaries who served in the Florida Fort Lauderdale Mission from 2020-2023, opens up about his journey. Tim wears many hats – husband, father, physician, church leader, and devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. Throughout the conversation, Tim reflects on pivotal decisions and failures that have shaped his current path. Tim dives into how his unique life experiences have equipped him to offer valuable insights. He...

In this episode, Maude  shares how her early-life decision to serve  a mission remained an integral part of her identity. She reflects on the confidence gained in pursuing her passions,  her mission experience in an unfamiliar place, and the man y experiences she had. Upon returning home, Maude discusses the process of incorporating the  lessons learned during her mission into her career, home life, and marriage.

In this episode, we dive into the profound impact and influence that others have on our lives. Brian shares insights into his personal life of choosing to serve  a mission, highlighting the pivotal roles played by his friends, family, leaders, and coaches in shaping this decision. We talk more about how being on the Lord's team is the winning team, emphasizing the notion that prioritizing the Lord in all aspects leads to favorable outcomes. Brian also offers valuable advice for parents...

Harvey  shares with us his challenging beginnings of growing up in Salt Lake City,  choosing to step away from the church,  finding his way back after a series of events, serving a two year mission, getting married, and playing in the NFL. We talk more about the importance of confidence in following promptings and prioritizing what truly matters.

On this episode, we learn more about Sarah Sun and explore the reasons behind her commitment to living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. From a young age, Sarah understood that she was a daughter of God, recognizing her divine worth. Through various experiences and opportunities, she has allowed her light to shine. Sarah shares her conversion story to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, her educational path of attending Cornell, serving a mission in California, transferring to BYU and...

Welcome to the 'Rise & Thrive,'  podcast where health, wellness, and purpose collide. I'm Lucy Fotu, your host, and on this show, I dive into heart-to-heart conversations with return missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Join us as we explore their transformative stories, from the motivations behind their missions to the lessons learned and the ongoing drive that shapes their lives. Whether you're a future missionary a college student, or a stay at home mom,...