I can hardly believe that today is the last day I will email home as a set apart missionary for Jesus Christ's church. The 18 months has gone by both so quickly and so slowly. But fast or slow, here I am, on my last day. It's been an emotional morning, that's for sure.
I've spent some time reflecting on what my mission has meant to me. And all the depths of my heart and soul could not describe the gratitude I have to the Lord for the last year and a half. When I think of the chances, my mission was truly a one in a million, once in a lifetime opportunity. What are the chances that I would be born in the time period where the Jesus Christ's gospel was in it's complete form upon the earth? What are the chances that I would be born in the dispensation of the fulness of times? What are the chances that I would live in a decade where sister missionaries were able and encouraged to go forth as emissaries for the Lord? What are the chances that I would be born into a home where the Restored Gospel was taught and practiced as the core of my family's life? What are the chances that I would accept it? What are the chances that I would be called the the West Virginia Charleston Mission? What are the chances I would be assigned to labor in West Side, Cross Lanes, Roanoke, and Fairmont? (Here's where my mind blows.) What are the chances I would be in the perfect place at the perfect time to meet that one soul looking for the truth? What are the chances that they would accept? It's been a while since I did math, but it's absolutely astronomical! And the Lord, with His perfect foresight and knowledge, orchestrated it all so I could help bring souls to Him. He could have done that another way, but He loves me enough to give me this experience. And I will never be the same.
Several people have asked me what the "biggest thing" I've learned is. And that's a tough question. So here's the top 5.
1. That God loves me. See the massive paragraph above.
2. That God loves every person on an individual, personal level. I have felt a small test His love for individuals during moments as I taught and testified. I know that God is truly our Heavenly Father. Literally. He wants the best for us.
3. That God has reached out in love by restoring the Jesus Christ's Church. He did this through a young boy named Joseph Smith in 1820. He was called as a prophet in response to a humble prayer requesting spiritual guidance. God the Father and Jesus Christ appeared to him in vision, and the world has never been the same again. A church with all the correct doctrine, all the lost knowledge, and the authority to administer the ordinances of salvation (baptism, communion, etc.) has been reestablished on the earth. I have felt the Holy Spirit of God witness to my heart that this is the truth.
4. Humility. If you're going to do the work of the Lord, you must do it His way if you want to succeed.
5. That Prayer really does work. You can pray for help, guidance, healing, comfort, anything really. And no matter how small or insignificant or even huge your need may be, the Lord will answer, and help you through it. Every Singe Time.
Some people say that a mission is the best two years (18 months) of your life. And it certainly has been the biggest, most soul stretching, happy adventure so far. I have learned so much, met so many people I love, and become a more Christlike person. But I refuse to let today be the end of a golden 18 months that I simply look back wistfully upon for the rest of my life.
So here's to the next 18 months! Life is only going to get better and better from here, and may each of your next 18 months be the best of your lives! I know mine will be. I love you all, and am so so excited to see you, and hug you, and be with you again.
Godspeed!
Sister Ward
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