These past few weeks have been unbelievable. I cannot believe that the 19th month mark has hit. I'm so grateful for this opportunity I had to serve as a full time missionary in Bahia Blanca, Argentina. I have been truly blessed and have grown my relationship with my Savior. I just want to say thank you to all those who have supported me in my decisions and the love and prayers from you. These last 2 1/2 transfers have been a little different than the rest of my mission, but I'm so very grateful for the opportunities that I had to serve in other ways that I never thought I would. I've had so many trials and challenges but what I've learned and grown from exceeds far beyond anything I've experienced yet. I want to give a big thank you to my mission president and his wife for their service, and the experiences we had together these last few months, they feel like family to me and I've learned soo much from them. I cant imagine the day I have to say goodbye, but I'm so grateful to them and I absolutely LOVE them and the relationship I had with them. They have such strong spirits and testimonies and know exactly what their purpose here in life is and as mission presidents. They know the plan, they follow it, and they act and live it. Because of it, they are blessed by our Savior and loving Redeemer. They are such great examples to me and I want to follow their example for my future and my family.
One of my biggest goals is to have a family for time and all eternity and for that we are here as missionaries to help others take that first step into baptism and then seal there families together for time and all eternity. One of the biggest things that has stuck to me that my mission presidente has taught, is to understand what it means to be "your own agent," I have been able to understood more the importance of "the plan." Stop, and evaluate yourself, make changes, and apply the atonement of Jesus Christ in your life, and fulfill your calling. God is waiting for us to make those changes and plans in our life. We have to create our plan and ask Him what do you think? Help me to tweek this plan for the better.... He waits for us to come to him.
I have a huge testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and through it I have been able to really understand my purpose here in life. As a missionary I've come to realize that our goal is to baptize but to baptize converts. Which means we need to be be converted ourselves to help and serve those around us. I want to testify of the importance of a mission for those that are young and are not on or going on missions.. I've never learned so much knowledge, inspiration, and guidance. The mission has strengthened me during hard times, which there have been many and has helped me to make decisions by the spirit and has provided me inspiration now and for my future. As a daughter, mother, teacher, etc., it is so important to understand where we stand now and our progression in life so that we are continuing as we avoid temptation. I love this gospel and everything about it. I love the people here in Argentina. I love the happy and sad moments. I love my companions - every single one of them. I love my mission presidents, and leaders. I love the 19 months I had here in Bahia to serve. I love my family and friends. I love the beauty of life, God's plan, and my loving Savior who gave His life away so that we could live with Him for eternity.
I hope and I pray that I continue this journey as a missionary, servant, disciple, and daughter of God for the rest of my life. That being a missionary with or without a name tag, we will extend the limits of the heavens. As we embrace our self, be who we are , and do the Lord's will. I know that without any doubt, that this is the true and everlasting gospel. We are the only church who has the power of god to to seal families and ourselves to God. We have the knowledge of the after life and what our purpose here in life is. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and saw God the Father and the Son, that the church was restored and that the Book of Mormon is the most correct book on earth and contains the everlasting eternal fullness of the gospel. I know that Thomas S. Monson is our prophet now who is guided by the Savior to help lead and direct us. I know and testify of the importance of the family that there is life after death, the Lord died for us so that an atonement was made, for us to be clean again through repentance. I know Christ was resurrected and that He lives and loves us.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ amen.
Merry Christmas!
