A couple of weeks ago, we explored the temporal side of final preparations for a mission after the call is in hand. But what about the spiritual side of your life until you enter the Missionary Training Center?

As a newly called missionary, you might feel like you're in limbo as a missionary and also at home. There are things you can do to help the time pass and to strengthen your spirituality.

One woman said she was asked by investigators on her mission how she gained her testimony and how she overcame adversity, among other things. She said she wished she had thought to write down such experiences before her mission so she didn't have to give an answer off the top of her head. Coming up with a list of meaningful experiences in your life and jotting down details will help you as you teach people.

Other suggestions:

• Go to the temple as soon as possible after you get your call, and attend often before you leave.
• Go out with the full-time missionaries in your area as often as you can. Talk to returned missionaries and ask them what they wish they had known before they left.
• Attend firesides, devotionals, institute classes and missionary preparation classes.
• If your bishop and/or stake president doesn't call you in for periodic interviews, call him. One bishop said he interviews missionaries on call weekly about their lives and continuing preparation.
• Get more familiar with the missionary library. Read the Book of Mormon one more time before you leave and write out your testimony so it can go in copies of the Book of Mormon you hand out. Mark meaningful scriptures and write out thoughts for talks.
• Study "Preach My Gospel," a valuable resource to be read and treasured.
• Spend quality time with family and friends and express your love and gratitude often.
• Pray often as you prepare to focus completely on your mission.

E-mail: rwalsh@desnews.com