I thought I'd never see this day.
I seriously thought throughout my whole mission that I would simply just always be a missionary my entire life
And I was never wrong.
I forget where the quote came from, but there is a quote that basically says, (I'm paraphrasing:)
"The mission doesn't begin or end when you put on the badge. The mission starts at Baptism (our first covenant with God) and ends when we return back to our Heavenly home."
It's very exciting to work with members and have them be actively engaged in sharing the Gospel. And I can't wait to work with missionaries when I'm back home. I have my highest respect towards them.
I don't even know what to say...
I'm just so grateful that I chose to serve. I've been through ups and downs, but in the end, I have come out strong.
And it's because of all the love and support my mom, dad, siblings, friends, members, and my fellow missionary friends have given me. Most importantly, all of the love and support GOD and Jesus Christ has given me. I am so grateful for you all.
Before I close this last email that I will ever write as a missionary, I want to make one thing clear, (and I don't even know if I can even say the words to make it clear enough:)
This two year mission... Has completely changed my life.
It has completely flipped me back on my feet.
The life before my mission, I was upside down with my head under the water. But I have repented, and I'm still repenting each day.
And repenting has never brought sadness or shame, (that's what sin does) but repentance... Has brought pure joy.
Because through repentance, we can not only feel the cleansing feeling of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. But we can transform. I love that word so much.
The ability to transform through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and become a new creature is just... Beautiful.
I have a testimony of the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I have a testimony that he lives, that he has died for us and has suffered for us to make us happy in this life and in the life to come.
Jesus Christ wants to make us happy
Not unhappy
No matter what sin we have on our table, he wants to take those burdens away.
But he can only do that if we are willing to let Him take them. And just be humble.
This is the most important thing I have learned on my mission:
Being a true disciple of Jesus Christ by allowing ourselves to be humble, and literally... Let Jesus take the wheel.
I encourage and invite everyone who is eligible to serve a mission... To do so now.
It will change and shape you into what God wants you to be.
The mission is literally like a spiritual scholarship. We can reject it and still follow God, but why would we want to make it harder for ourselves by not serving a mission? If you serve a mission, we get spiritual scholarships, our spiritual capacity will increase, and we will be spiritually changed. Not only changed...
But happy
No greater blessing than to serve God's children.
I know this is a long email, but I just love this mission, because it is God's mission.
Be good yall, God is real and He loves each one of you.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
