Preparing to Leave #2

So, I found this site with TONS of awesome advice from many other returned missionaries. I will post the advice I liked (and haven't mentioned on this blog yet) here. To read all of it, here's the link:
http://www.ldsmissionarymoms.com/helptopics/Advice_From_Missionaries/
(Note: some of this advice is a bit out of date)

- Start mission habits now. Study the scriptures, study Preach My Gospel, wake up early, exercise, write in your journal, bear your testimony frequently, etc.
- Go on splits with the missionaries
- Learn to recognize the Spirit and to rely on the Lord
- Start saving money as soon as possible
- Bring a personal CD player or MP3 player with travel speakers (no headphones)
- Learn to cook in small amounts and be prepared to deal with whatever the cooking supplies in each area are
- Learn to eat anything and everything
    (I had a companion who hated fish and unfortunately had to eat fish a lot. At one member's house, while the member was out of the room, this companion dumped her fish soup in my bowl and then I inhaled it. To this day I wonder if the member noticed that my bowl was empty when she left and yet I was chewing when she returned...)
- Bring a flashlight! And other things like scissors and markers. And music if you're musical.
- Bring pictures of family and friends (to look at and show companions on P-days)
- You will hear plenty of different things about the MTC. Some find it too confining. Some find it hard to sit in a desk for so long. Some hate the food, some love it. Most, if not all, will love the spiritual feast.
- Almost every missionary surveyed wished they hadn't left a girlfriend behind. Their advice was to drop the girl before you serve. If it's meant to be, she'll still be there when you return home.
- Many missionaries have a hard time adjusting to mission life. Top reasons why adjustment was difficult: Language, culture, immature missionaries, having to be with a companion 24/7, homesickness, schedules, leaving interests/hobbies, and leaving family/friends. Be as prepared as you can for a total and complete life change.
- Be social and work on your communication skills before you go
- Learn to love everyone, no matter how different they are
- Be prepared to work HARD
- Trust your mission president's advice
- Take every minute and be thankful. Time goes by so quickly so don't wish away your mission. It goes too quickly.

**For Preparing to Leave Part 1, click here.
**For tips on how to focus on preparing to serve a mission, click here.