HI Matt. I apologize for coming into this conversation late, but you acknowledged something that I'd like to touch on.
"...one does not have to serve a full time mission in order to serve the lord..." Absolutely correct. As the Ward Mission Leader, and a convert (at age 28, 20 years ago), I can assure you that your Ward Mission Leader would love to have your help!! Anything you can do will be welcome. I'm not sure if a Ward Missionary calling is what your are hoping for, but living "in the mission field", as we say here in Salt Lake City, gives you ample opportunity to share what your testimony of the Gospel and Jesus Christ with plenty of people waiting to hear that message.