Some Final Thoughts From Peru

This past change I have really had some personal time to just sit and ponder to myself. President Perez sent me a copy of my Mission Call and asked for me to re-read it and ponder the blessings and the commitment that I made with the Lord to serve as a mission. One part stuck out to me alot, when it talks about by putting aside your personal affairs and dedicating all of your talents, abilities, and strengths towards the work, The Lord will bless me with more joy then I have ever received. The things that I have been able to experience here in the mission are very unique and what makes it hard is knowing that the joy and happiness that I have experienced won`t be felt in the same way. The joy that the mission brings can only be experienced in the mission.

Some of the things that I have learned to live for is seeing an investigator come to church alone, seeing a dad lead his family in family prayer for the first time, receiving the sacrament from one of my converts, watching one of my converts perform the baptism of one of his children, and listen to the simple yet heart-felt testimony of a recently baptized member. I have lived for these moments will keep them with me forever.

I feel as though the mission isn´t as much a time of “Change” but rather a time of “Progress”. I was called to serve here in Peru for who I am but I feel as though I have experienced a great deal of Progress in my life. I see things a little differently and know now more than ever our divine potentials as children of God. How blessed I have been to have had the opportunity to share the Gospel with my brothers and sisters here in Peru. Sharing my testimony in Sacrament meeting yesterday I mentioned how I find myself with alot of mixed feelings. I honestly feel as though I am once again leaving home. I love the people here in Peru and I know that I am leaving them in the Lord´s hands. After all, there isn´t a better pair of hands to leave them in.

I have really enjoyed sharing my mission with you. I love you all and can`t wait to see you next week. I fly out to Lima today in the afternoon but I wanted to be sure to get a letter off to you before heading out. Thanks for everything and may the Lord keep blessing you!