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Monday, June 23, 2014

Farewell for now!

Hello Everyone! Here is one last post from me. I leave tomorrow for the MTC.
I just wanted to make one note about why I chose the blog address that I did. I am not so arrogant as to consider myself an angel, but I know that there are angels in Philadelphia. The Lord has promised to send angels to support and comfort His missionaries. I have felt their help and support throughout these last few months that have helped me to prepare for my mission. I feel the spirits of my ancestors and my future posterity cheering me on.
A good friend of mine recently told me, "There will never be a moment during your missionary service where you are not surrounded by, carried by and lifted by and lovingly ministered to by angels." I believe that this is true.
Choosing to go on a mission was the hardest decision I have ever made. I know that because of this choice I will spend the next 18 months in blistering hot and freezing cold temperatures. I will be mocked, ridiculed, and laughed at. I will be run ragged until I am so exhausted that I can hardly stand. I know that at every turn, I will face trials that I never thought I could bear.
But, "with God, nothing shall be impossible." With His angels, His love, and even the Savior himself standing by my side, all things will work out for good.
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and be not afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation."
I also know that the next 18 months will bring me the greatest joy I have ever felt! The gospel is a message of peace and love! It has the power to change us! To change our hearts from something dark and depressed to something light and hopeful! It has the power to strengthen and lift! And I know that, "if it so be that [I] should labor all [my] days in crying repentance unto this people and bring save it be one soul unto [Christ], how great shall be [my] joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!"
This will be the greatest 18 months of my life. How boring would be if we never had adventures like these? Sometimes it's hard to leave, but as my dad says, "Ships aren't built to sit in the harbor."

I love you all! Once again, thank you for your support, your friendship, and your prayers!
God be with you till we meet again!