My name is Keilani Mazarelli. I am 14 years old. I was baptized August 2, 2014. I was born in Wilmington, Delaware. But I moved to Nashville, Tennessee when I was about a year old. I love writing, playing my ukulele and I'm moving to Dominican Republic.
Moving to another country is like a roller coaster ride of a bunch of different emotions. Some days, I can't wait to be there and see the brothers and the people, then some days I don't want to leave, and I want to stay here with my friends and family. It is obviously a very big change in anyone's life, moving to another country, and you are always gonna feel different emotions.
The thing I'm most looking forward to about moving to DR is that I get to experience new cultures, and meet new people. Everything is very different over there than here in the United States, and so are the people. Everything is so much more simple. I'm also excited about the preaching work. The people are so much more open to learn about Jehovah, so I'm really excited to get to experience that.
What makes me most nervous about moving is that I'll miss my friends and family. I've lived in Tennessee for my whole life, so I'm very close to them. This is the first time I've ever had a big move away from my friends and family. It is going to be pretty hard leaving them for so long, since I'm so close to them. I'm just generally nervous about that.
Also the thought of “What if I don't like it there?” has crossed my mind. Especially If I'm the only family member that doesn't like it there. That kinda scares me a little. But I always remember that either way, its for Jehovah. And if I'm serving him, I will always be happy
After we've lived there a while, I hope to learn to speak Spanish better than I do know. Even though it is my first language, we speak a lot more English at home. So it would be really cool to be able to speak more fluently. I would also like to learn how to speak to people about Jehovah better. I love going out in service with the brothers, but it is sometimes hard for me to open up and speak to people about Jehovah. I hope living there for a while helps me learn to preach better.
My friends and family have helped me prepare for our trip to DR. Older friends, as well as friends my age, have really helped me stay positive about going. Especially one pioneer sister in my hall, Tania. She has always helped me stay positive. She has always told me how cool it is that I am going to be able to serve in another country at my age. She always encourages me to go out in service and do great things for Jehovah and serve him at my best. I really appreciate her help, and I really look up to her. She is a great role model and I'm really going to miss her. She and all my friends have really helped me stay positive and get ready for this really big step in my life. But especially Jehovah has helped me stay positive.
I'm really excited to go to DR, but I'm also a little nervous. But I know that if I pray to Jehovah, he will always be there for me and my family.
Well... Hope you liked my post! I should be posting again soon, maybe even including some videos when we get there!
See you soon!!
-Keilani