Embracing Growth and Faith: A Journey with Hailey Bollar

Embracing Growth and Faith: A Journey with Hailey Bollar

In a heartwarming episode of the "Can You Feel So Now" podcast, host Justin Barton sat down with Hailey Bollar, a recently returned missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through the miracle of Zoom, listeners were invited to explore Hailey's incredible journey of self-discovery, faith, and transformation.

**Introducing Hailey Bollar**

Hailey hails from Utah and comes from a family of five siblings. She shared fondly her love for sports like basketball and golf, and a newfound admiration for hockey. But it's not just sports that fill her life with joy; her family, including her six nieces and nephews, holds a special place in her heart. This family connection played a crucial role during her mission in the Texas Houston South mission.

**A Mission of Growth and Connection**

Hailey embarked on her mission with the Texas Houston South mission from June 2023 to October 2024. Throughout her mission, she was surprised by the cultural diversity of Houston, a true melting pot where she met people from all over the world. The experience was transformative for Hailey, who describes it as the place where she grew the most.

It was on her mission that her love for the Book of Mormon deepened. Her mission president challenged her to read and mark the Doctrine of Christ throughout the book. This practice grew her testimony beyond measure, becoming a constant source of joy and encouragement.

**Seeing Through Christ's Eyes**

In Houston, Hailey learned the profound lesson of seeing others through Christ’s eyes. One memorable story involved a woman struggling with personal challenges, who Hailey initially judged but later engaged with, fully realizing the beauty and pain of human experiences through the lens of Christ’s love. This interaction and countless others helped Hailey align her vision more closely with Christ’s, impacting how she viewed herself and others.

**Carrying Forward the Mission**

Returning home posed new challenges for Hailey, who strives to merge her identity as Sister Bollar with her life as Hailey Bollar. She reflects on moments of doubt but leans on her mission experiences to find strength. As she pursues a future in radiology, she remains committed to maintaining meaningful connections, inspired by the service and love she shared during her mission.

**Enduring the Storms and Finding Happiness**

Comparing the physical storm of a hurricane to life's personal storms, Hailey emphasizes seeking help and guidance through prayer, scripture, and community. Her journey shows profound growth in understanding repentance and the joy it can bring. She encourages returned missionaries to find peace and happiness by keeping Christ at the center and embracing change.

**Words for the Future: Unwavering Faith and Courage**

Hailey's journey is about striving to uphold her faith in challenging times. She advises her future self to remain diligent, never cease to seek happiness in service, and always remember her divine worth as a daughter of God. Her insights remind us of the ongoing journey of faith, where, despite challenges, we can reach profound joy and fulfillment through sincere dedication and service.

This conversation with Hailey Bollar serves as a beacon of encouragement to anyone facing their own personal storms, inviting us all to see through the eyes of Christ, embrace change, and find strength in faith and service.