The End of an Era

One and a half years, 18 months, 78 weeks, 548 days, and 788401 minutes. That's how long I've been serving the absolute best mission in the world.

September 25, 2016. I walked in to my Stake President's office with absolutely no idea how much my life would be changed in the next year and a half.



March 21, 2018. I now walk into my Stake President’s office once again, but this time as I look back I can see all the amazing experiences that have brought me to this point. 

For those who know my story, you know the amount of time I’ve waited to serve a mission. When the Young Church Service Mission came to my attention I was skeptical, but after meeting with my bishop I knew this was where I was meant to be. In the last 18 months I have laughed, cried, had my patience tested (MULTIPLE TIMES), & learned to love every single person in this mission. 



About 3 weeks ago an Elder in my mission asked me as we left Old Town what was something I’ve learned here on my mission. This question took me by surprise. As much as I know I’ve grown & learned A TON, trying to figure out what has touched me the most was hard.



I know I’ve learned patience. Those who know me know I’m not a patient person. I like things done my way & exactly when I want them, even when it comes to the Lord’s plan. I probably fought with the Holy Ghost EVERY WEEK on my mission. There were plenty of things that made me uncomfortable. 

One thing we’ve been taught on this mission is that we can do hard things. I’ve always known I could do whatever I put my mind to, but when it came to the mission I didn’t always want to put my mind to it. My mission president can tell you that I came to him in tears on multiple occasions just lost. This of course was great for him to see because it meant GROWTH. 

I’ve learned to embrace these hard things & to be patient with myself throughout the struggle. It’s okay when things aren’t easy, it’s okay to struggle, & it’s okay to go to Heavenly Father & say "this sucks," because it will. 



Now I don’t have the best patience even to this day, but looking back I know I’ve gained a ton of it. And for that I’m grateful. 

Another thing I know I’ve learned is to view others as Christ would. Back in August I was called to be Relief Society President in my YSA ward. Though it wasn’t a complete shock I was a bit upset & worried. I don’t have any girl friends, how can I help these women become who they need to be?!



As I met with both my bishop & mission president they urged me to view others as Christ would. Love them. Serve them. I embraced that whole heartedly & I can tell you that every sister in my ward & every sister in my mission are AMAZING daughters of God. I would do anything to show them their worth.



One ward temple night I was in the baptistery with my ward & my mission just happened to have the same day, so they started to show up. Near the end of me being there I was helping this beautiful sister in my mission get all she needed done for confirmations. As she walked out she wanted me to blow dry her hair. I thought, "Hun you don’t need that. Your hair is okay." As I silently debated what to do this sister struggled to blow dry her hair. I decided to help her & there we stood in the bathroom. Me drying her hair & her beaming from ear to ear. As I stood there in that little bathroom it hit me the love I had for this sister & all others in my mission. It was an overwhelming sense of love that almost brought me to tears. It’s something I know I’ll never forget.



As my mission comes to an end & I look back & see all the things that have happened I can’t help but smile. This mission is THE BEST mission in the world & I know God created it just for me. 



He is so mindful of my needs & my wants. I know that He doesn’t leave me alone in the hard & easy times. Every day I feel Him wrapping His arms around me in love, guiding me closer to the woman I’m supposed to be. Though this mission hasn’t been easy it’s been absolutely worth it. Every smile & every tear has led me to this point. 



Now I’m not ready for this day. I’ve tried to convince my mission president multiple times to just let me stay. Though he won’t allow it (sadly) I know I’ve done my part. The Lord appreciates my sacrifice & no matter the tears to come, I’m forever grateful for that knowledge. 



This church is so true. Every little detail is in His hands. I know He sees me & wants for me to be happy. I’ve got a long road ahead of me but I know He’ll be guiding, dragging, & carrying me to the exact point I need to be. 



I wouldn’t change the last year & a half for the world. And I am so grateful for the people & experiences that have helped me along the way. 




                                         







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