Dear Fallon 2nd Ward,
I
thought that by going on a mission across the country that I would be able to
get out of speaking , but apparently, I was wrong.
I am
doing GREAT here in Brunswick, GA! Even though I am serving in the U.S., the
culture of the south takes a lot of getting used to.
Since
being out here, I’ve learned three things about a mission:
1.
Missions
are funny. I’ve met so many interesting
people, I’ve had so many things not go my way, and I’ve been thrown into so
many awkward and uncomfortable situations, that all I can do is laugh.
2.
Missions are EXHAUSTING! I didn’t think it was possible to be this
tired running on 8 hours of sleep! Every
night I come home physically and mentally drained, which is a good thing. Even though days can be long and tiring, it
is so worth it.
3.
Missions are spiritual! I have never been closer to the spirit than I
am right now. I see miracles happening
every single day. There is no doubt in
my mind that this is the Lord’s work.
I ‘ve never worked harder in my
life than what I’m doing here on my mission.
I’ve never worked for such a great cause either. It’s taken some time, but I’m starting to
love the people here, even the stinky ones that are missing teeth. I’ve come to realize that Heavenly Father has
so much love for each and every one of us and He wants ALL of us to be
happy. And that is what I’m out here
doing: bringing that peace and joy that I feel because of the gospel to other children
of God.
I have so many experiences every
single day that strengthen my testimony.
One in particular was with an investigator, Latoya. We were eating lunch at Chick-fil-a and she
happened to be working there. She asked
if we were Mormon, and told us that she had gotten a Book of Mormon from a
friend in middle school, but had since lost it.
She was interested in learning more, so we set up a return
appointment. Four days later she texted telling us that she wanted to get
baptized. Less than three weeks later
she was baptized and has been coming to church ever since. This experience strengthened my testimony in
the power of prayer. My companion and I had been fasting and praying to find
someone that was ready to hear and accept the gospel. And we did.
This experience also strengthened my testimony in that Heavenly Father is
preparing those around us to hear the gospel, we just have to be aware and open
our mouths to share it.
Being converted to serve with “full
purpose of heart” hasn’t been a one time thing.
I’m working on it every single
day. It can be hard sometimes because I
can get caught up in thinking about my friends and family and things I’ve left
behind at home. But now that I’m on my mission,
I need to be HERE- with my heart , might,
mind, and strength.
To the youth of the ward preparing
to serve missions, I have a few things to say.
1. Pay attention in seminary! I
was a terrible seminary student and now that I’m on my mission I wish that I
would have actually listened and learned the Bible and Book of Mormon stories
and scripture mastery. 2. Start reading your scriptures and praying
every day. It is a great habit that
should begin before you go on a mission.
It plays a huge role in how the rest of your day goes. 3.
This one, as well as #2, applies to everyone…but study Preach my
Gospel. It is such a great book and can
teach you so much, even if you’re not a full time missionary.
In this month’s Ensign, there was a
great message called “ The Best Time to
Plant a Tree.” Everyone should go home
and read it. It talks about setting
goals and why we should set goals of spiritual achievement. Goals bring out the best in us. Even if we fail, we are better than we were
when we started out. I love the quote at
the end that says, ”The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is now… Now is the best
time to start becoming the person we eventually want to be – not only 20 years
from now, but also for all eternity.” I
encourage everyone to challenge yourselves and set a specific goal to bring you
closer to Christ and start TODAY. There
is no better time.
I am so thankful to be on a mission
at this exciting time when the work is truly hastening. I’m so thankful for the examples that you all
have been to me over the years, you all have made such an impact in my life.
I know that the church is
true. I have never been more sure of
anything. I know that this is the gospel
of Jesus Christ restored in these latter days through Joseph Smith. I know that my redeemer lives and loves me. I
know that the atonement is real and that because of it, we can be completely
forgiven of our sins. I know that
Heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers.
And I know that living the gospel is the ONLY way to have peace and joy
in this life. I say these things in the
name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Love, Sister K
