Whew! Not Your Usual Mission Prep!

Whew!

This is not exactly the kind of Mission Prep I had imaged.  Sure . . . we have been studying Spanish with our MTC tutors . . .

Yes, we have been attending workshops at the MTC to guide us in "Preach My Gospel" studies . . .

AND, we are continuing to teach our 17 year old Sunday School class, whom almost all either have mission calls or are submitting papers, or plan to submit papers in the next year or two . . . which has been awesome mission prep . . .

BUT no,

This is not the kind of mission prep I am referring to!

Who would guess the technological preparations for making communication easier and less expensive once you are outside of the United States!

I'm sure all those people who travel the world for business every day of the week . . . have got this all down.  But it's all NEW to us!

And it's straining my brain!

We did get hooked up with a Vonage phone this week . . . which is the subject of a different post.  Let me just say for all of you reading this post about Vonage . . . the monthly fee is $18.  We have unlimited incoming calls.  You just dial a local Utah number to reach us (which is awesome!) We can use it anywhere internet access is available. We have to limit our outgoing calls to 300 minutes a month or pay an excess charge.  But when you are outside of the Mission Home, it's a little cumbersome and inconvenient to lug around a real phone, the Vonage box and cordage (can you say that when there are a lot of cords involved??) and connect and disconnect at different locations.

Of course (we think!) we'll have cell phones . . . but can't call outside Honduras except in case of

emergency.

All of which leads to what this post is REALLY about . . .

It is pretty cool now that I have it up and running . . . but it was pretty scary there for a while . . .

Turning your Ipad, Iphone or Ipod Touch into an internet phone, giving you access to make calls (VOIP) over the internet usually without charge, or at greatly decreased rates compared to cell phone service, and without using cell phone minutes.

This setup replicates a phone connection using Google Voice and a few other apps available through Itunes for cheap.  (This would be a great idea I'm thinking also to save money on your cell phone bill, you could take your minutes down to about zero - ish).

**First off - you need to sign into your Google account and sign up for a Google Voice number.  Not that hard really, it prompts you through all the steps.  Select the option for a NEW Google voice number  (FREE) versus paying the $25 to port in your current cell phone number or other number you use.  Unless of course you are REALLY attached to the number and want to keep it. (You get the same advantages with Google voice as with other phone carriers - conference calling, screening callers, blocking callers, voice mail and sending text messages) AND one disclaimer (SORRY folks, Google Voice is only available to those currently living in the USA)

**Next you need to download GV Connect from the Itunes store.  There is a nominal fee for the app (less than $3 I think).  There is a free app available but GV Connect is a better option as it has full Ipad, Ipod Touch, and Iphone support.  GV Connect extends the benefits of the Google Voice service to the iOS (Mac-Apple) environment.  Neither Google Voice or GV Connect actually provide the VOIP service so once combined with another FREE app - Talkatone, you have the ability to actually make phone calls from your iOS device.  

**Finally, download Talkatone from the iTunes store.  The actual app that lets you make phone calls for free with your iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch.

**Once you have your Google Voice account set up with your new phone number, have downloaded and installed both GV Connect and Talktone.  Open GV Connect and Talktone and link them to your Google Voice account.  It automatically safely protects your password for your Google account so you only have to enter your Google Voice number and password once.

**Then in GV Connect - do the following

1-  Under Settings, set the Start Calls From setting to Google Talk.

2 -Enable the Call using Talkatone setting

3- Click on the telephone handset icon in the upper left corner to place a call.

(Go ahead . . . try it out :)

**To enable your incoming Google Voice calls (since you are going to instruct everyone to call you on that number when you are outside of the United States), do the following:

1-  In GV Connect  - Under Settings, set the Call Forwarding setting to Google Talk.

2 - Make sure you are logged in to your Google Account in Talkatone.

3- Wait for an incoming call.

(Go ahead - tell someone to call you!)

**One more setting to adjust - go to your Google Voice settings.  In the left margin check

the box that says "forward calls to Google Chat".  Uncheck the box for your mobile phone.  Also to receive text msgs - in Google Voice settings - check the box "Text Forwarding"
 ( Note that if you forward calls to both your Google Chat AND your mobile phone number, your mobile phone will ring twice (once in the Talkatone app and once via the native phone). It's better to only check the "forward to Google chat" box and receive calls on your mobile via Talkatone (which is FREE and does not use cell minutes)).  

If you're confused . . . it's ok . . I was totally :D
But there's more info at the sights below:
 - Your iPad's a Telephone with Google Voice
 - How to Make and Receive Phone Calls with your iPad.




**And finally - last but not least you need a headset to keep your conversations private.  This is the one I bought off of Amazon for $10.

Hey!  If I can do it anyone can!!

Now we have Vonage for receiving US calls at home, a cell phone for receiving/making calls from the Missionaries in Honduras, and an iPad phone for calling and receiving calls from the US wherever we have WiFi or Internet access.  Hurray!!

If that doesn't make for complicated communications . . . I don't know what does!

Continue Reading...

I'm not feelin' too good . . .

Those are words that I imagine I will come to hear on an all too frequent basis . . .

As a mom of four children, I know that almost always, at least one of them isn't feelin' too good at any particular time.  So multiply that by 200 missionaries . . . and I'm sure it can challenge the nursing skills of any . . .

Mission President's Wife!

So I thought it would be funny to include this update along those lines from my good friend Lori in Guatalajara Mexico.  You can follow her adventures online in her always inspiring blog posts!

So my life has come down to this . . .  ?

Included in the week of interviews were, of course, telephone calls from all the sick/injured missionaries.  (Wes gets a lot of calls too, but all of his are confidential. However, if I had one piece of advice for new missionaries it would be—repent BEFORE going on your mission! It makes life so much easier for everyone.)

 

But here is a sampling of calls I have recently received . . .

“My companion just fainted. ”

“I have been constipated now for TEN days!!”

“I have a rash on a very sensitive part of my body.”

“A little boy in the ward gave me a ring and I put it on my finger. It is now stuck and turning my finger purple.

“I was walking down the street and ran into a metal pole and split my head open.”

 

And my least favorite was a call from the zone leaders on the coast around ten at night, a week ago Saturday  . . .

“So did the sisters tell you what is going on with them?’
“No”

“Well, you know how you sent Sister P to the hospital because she kept vomiting? Well, she just called and said they told her she needs emergency surgery. She and her companion are totally freaking out. Should we go over

there?”

 

At 2 in the morning I received a follow up call from the zone leaders saying they decided to wait until morning for surgery. Around 10 the next morning the senior couple (who I called and asked to please go to the hospital) called and said the sister was doing better so they weren’t going to do surgery after all. (Hooray for that!!)

Oh . . .

Can I say, I'm so excited I can hardly wait :D

I am an RN, and I do feel very blessed to have expertise in the medical field, and a good background in assessment skills etc.   And I can delivery a baby in the dark without to many worries . . . . (You never know WHEN that might come in handy in a third world country!!)

But I'm getting a little worried about the Missionary Medical side of things.

Continue Reading...

The Mission President's Wife . . .

I'm grateful for those "Mission President's Wives" who give us a glimpse into all the thought and effort that goes into the calling of serving alongside your husband in the mission field.  I was recently reading this great example (Just Part of a Day's Work) from Sister Sandy Trayner, who's husband presides currently over the Texas McAllen Mission. 

You can read more in their blog - but here are Sister Trayner's thought that are just 

"part of her day's work"!

 Many times, I  have been asked the question, "So what is it that you do?"  I try not to be offended by the question. Honestly, I never have a spare minute, I am never "caught up" with anything, and I have cheerfully "put on the table of sacrifice" (for a time) many things that I would have been doing if we had not received the call to serve. Although is it difficult to describe a day in my life, I feel that occasionally some people have a perception that the wife of a mission president just doesn't have much to do except follow her husband around and take pictures.

Not true 

   I have decided to try to describe what may be the impossible- some of what it is that I do. It is important to remember, however, that what I do is not necessarily what the wife of another mission president does. As a couple, each president and his wife- together- find their own way to get the work done.  I am grateful that I hold a calling that was issued specifically to me. My husband was called and set apart and I support him. I was also called and I was also set apart as a missionary to serve as the wife of the mission president. I know that I am entitled to my own inspiration and guidance for my calling. Every day, I do my best to fulfill my calling and the responsibilities that come with it. We learned very quickly that our callings do not come with specific job descriptions, but there are needs that must be addressed regularly. 

   One thing that I do is spend a lot of hours talking on the phone and receiving and sending a lot of text messages and a lot of e-mails, mostly about health issues with the missionaries. Unless another arrangement has been made, the mission president's wife receives the responsibility to watch over the physical and emotional health of all of the missionaries in the mission. Although I think that I was usually successful doing this with my own five children, it can be daunting to think that I am dealing with 170+ at one time. The Lord has blessed me. I have felt His guidance many times as I have  tried to help a missionary. Funny thing, I have learned to say the word "diarrhea" a lot without flinching, even from the podium in Zone Conferences. I have taught so many

missionaries what the BRAT diet is that I could now teach it in my sleep. I have dealt with dehydration, coughs, allergies, rashes, broken bones, constipation, tumors, heartburn, so many rolled ankles that I couldn't begin to count them, migraines, broken front teeth, many, many ingrown toenails, fevers, road rashes, concussions, aching backs, dog bites, depression, congestion, surgeries, anxiety, the flu, known and unknown viruses, cuts requiring stitches, fatigue, dizziness, sprains, stomach aches, hypochondria  etc., etc., etc. I am the one who helps each missionary find a doctor to visit when needed. I enter health information in a computer. I prepare health lessons and teach about good health practices at Zone Conferences and at other missionary meetings. 

   May I add that when it comes to the health of the missionaries, I'm especially grateful for the help of four people who answer my calls. First to our AMA (Area Medical Adviser), Dr. Bourne (retired) and his wife. Elder and Sister Bourne are full-time missionaries based in Houston and serve many of the "southwest" missions.  They are always available to me. Second, to Bishop Mendez, P.A., who is one of only a handful of medical personnel who belong to our church and live within our mission boundaries. He serves the missionaries without a complaint and helps me keep the missionaries on their feet. Third, to my son Nate, who is an emergency room physician in Dallas. He is willing to offer support and advice. He has even occasionally been known to speak with a missionary over the phone. Fourth, to Brother Russell, from LDS Social Services. Brother Russell is based in Houston and makes many phone calls and treks south when needed. Thanks also goes to the great nurses that answer the phones in the missionary department's Missionary Medical. They are always a source of encouragement for me.  

It's just part of my day's work!

I am grateful to serve-

 For it is true that those whom ye serve, ye love.

   Another thing that I do is help my husband train missionaries. This is my "most favorite"! I attend meetings (with the Assistants to the President and my husband) where we plan what we will teach.  I study (a lot!) and I pray (a lot!) to prepare myself to teach to the needs of the missionaries.  I teach in Leadership Training meetings, in training meetings for new trainers of missionaries and new District Leaders, and I help train new missionaries.  I participate in Zone Conferences and Zone Leader Councils. I teach whenever and whatever the Spirit directs me to teach. In nearly three years, I have completely worn out my copy of "Preach My Gospel."  I love teaching missionaries! I love seeing the individual growth of each missionary as he/she applies what has been taught.

It's just part of my day's work!

I am grateful to serve-

 For it is true that those whom ye serve, ye love

   Another thing that I do is speak. I give talks in English and I give talks in Spanish.  I speak in Stake Conferences, Sacrament meetings, and firesides.  I study (a lot!) and I pray (a lot!) to prepare myself for the speaking assignments. In this mission, we probably don't spend as much time speaking to congregations as other mission presidents because we have a smaller number of members than most other missions. Still, we speak, and we speak together. My husband is good about letting other priesthood leaders know that I am his companion, and because of that, I speak.  I have always enjoyed speaking and now I do it more than I ever dreamed I would.

It's just part of my day's work!

I am grateful to serve-

 For it is true that those whom ye serve, ye love

   Another thing that I do is cook a lot. Although most people probably would say that I'm a good cook, this is not my most favorite activity. It is difficult for me to spend 2-3 hours preparing a large meal and then watch it disappear in 30 minutes. Maybe I feel this way because I am an Interior Designer. When I work on a project, I intend for it to be appreciated for years. That's not what happens with a good meal. I am, however, very grateful that I can cook. I give thanks to my mother for her example and teaching. My mom's a great cook, as was her mother.  Also, associated with a  lot of  cooking is a lot of grocery shopping. I think that shopping can be fun when it's more than filling full two carts of food at Sam's Club. Give me two hours and unlimited resources at a good mall and I'm very happy. Sam's Club grocery shopping is hard work- I load the carts with lots and lots of groceries, unload lots and lots of groceries at the register, reloadlots and lots of groceries into the car, and then unload lots and lots of groceries again at the mission home- often filling two refrigerators to the max.

It's just part of my day's work!

I am grateful to serve-

 For it is true that those whom ye serve, ye love

    Another thing that I do is travel. We travel a lot, but it's not vacation travel. We travel in a noisy blue minivan- perhaps we should have a secret hope that driving the minivan will help us feel young again! From most points in our mission, it is a three hour one way trip. We travel from McAllen to Corpus Christi (and back again), from McAllen to Laredo (and back again), from McAllen to Harlingen, and then to Brownsville. Sometimes we travel to Roma, to La Joya, Rio Grande, Alice, and Beeville.  Traveling is an essential part of what we do. I wish that I could say that I get a lot done while traveling. Unfortunately, I must admit that the thing that happens most is that I nap. 

It's just part of my day's work!

I am grateful to serve-

 For it is true that those whom ye serve, ye love

   I love what I do! The day is soon approaching that I will not have the same opportunity to give service in this capacity anymore. I will miss it a lot! I am reminded of King Benjamin's words, 

"...if ye should serve him with all your whole souls yet ye would be unprofitable servants."  (Mosiah 2:21)

   I love my Heavenly Father and I love the missionaries in the Texas McAllen Mission a lot! I will do all that I can to serve them. So what is it that I do? Simply put- Not enough.

Continue Reading...

Soon . . . off to Honduras

Once upon a time we sold our favorite and lovely family home
in Alpine Utah.

A home where we raised our family of four children for 16 years.  Our oldest was in Junior High School when we moved to Alpine from Sandy Utah.  Our youngest was 4 years old.  But as our children grew and matured each of them had wonderful opportunities that took them away from home.  Marriage, jobs, schooling . . . and not just away from home, but three out of our four children moved across the country.  And of course, taking our two precious grand babies with them!

One day we asked ourselves why we were maintaining this large place with just the two of us there most of the time.  Not only was it time consuming but it was becoming nearly impossible as we found ourselves traveling to visit family in far off places.  We loved our comfortable home but decided to make a 180 degree turn in our lives and begin to simplify our way of life.

The bottom line is we did sell our home, as has been blogged about recently.  And we did simplify and purchase a lovely and comfortable townhouse with cash from the sale of our home.  We had our own reasons for making this huge change of direction in our lives.  Little did we know . . .

Little did we know . . .

that our Heavenly Father (who we believe knows all things) had a different opportunity in mind for us and he was just putting us on the path . . . to missionary service in Honduras.

Let me back up just a bit -

In the middle of November, last year, unexpectedly we received a phone call from the office of Elder Quentin L. Cook.  For our friends not acquainted with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Cook is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,  a governing body of the Church, and  called to be prophets, seers, and revelators, and special witnesses of Jesus Christ.

It is most unusual to receive such a phone call . . . and we wondered at the purpose. Upon meeting with Elder Cook, we discovered we were in an exploratory interview for possible Mission Presidents.  (A Mission President presides over a mission and the missionaries serving therein.  He may also be the presiding priesthood leadership within the boundaries of the mission).  Elder Cook emphasized to us that we had been prayerfully selected by the First Presidency and all Twelve of the Quorum of the Twelve after careful consideration.  It was an amazing, reverent and spirit filled opportunity to be able to meet with Elder Cook and we felt very honored and humbled to be in his presence.  He was a most gracious apostle and representative of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

On December 12, 2012 - we once again received an unexpected phone call and request for meeting, this time from the office of President Henry B. Eyring,  First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Once again, a very humbling experience to be in the presence of such a tender man and true representative of Jesus Christ.  He spent much time with us providing counsel after extending a calling to preside over a Spanish Speaking mission of the church with the location to be determined, beginning in July of 2013.

To provide more clarity on what kind of service was being asked . . .(1) according to current policy a mission president must be married.  Typically, his wife and any minor children accompany him on the mission.  Mission presidents are either retired or leave their vocation for three years to preside over their mission.  Mission presidents supervise a group of 60-200 missionaries and direct their missionary labors.  After his three-year term ends, a mission president generally returns to his vocation and service in his own home ward and stake.

Typically one-third of the (now) 405 mission presidents of the church (this includes the newly announced 58 new missions created just this year in response to the surge in missionary applications related to the announcement lowering the missionary age for service last Fall) are changed out annually, and once these callings have been extended and accepted, the information is published in the "Church News" with their assigned destinations.

Our destination is Honduras . . .

I'm sure we're in for an amazing experience  . . . you can read what I posted 

earlier about Honduras here.  

And now . . .

You know some more of the story.

And it is certain to be continued . . .

Continue Reading...

114 Days to Honduras

Wow . . . I'm having a little difficulty comprehending that in just 

114

days . . . we are moving to the middle of an amazingly different world.

The small country of Honduras.

Officially the Republic of Honduras.

Specifically . . .

the city of San Pedro Sula.

Honduras is bordered to the West by Guatemala, to the Southwest by El Salvador, to the Southeast by Nicaragua, to the South by the Pacific Ocean, and to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea.

I'm sure you're thinking . . .

What on earth are WE thinking!!!  ??

Especially when I share the following information with you all . . .

I must admit I was a wee bit worried when I read this 

at travel . . . State . . . Gov

Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work. However, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country. Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world. San Pedro Sula is considered to be the world’s most violent city, with 159 murders for every 100,000 residents in 2011. These threats have increased substantially over the past several years, and incidents can occur anywhere. In January 2012, the Peace Corps withdrew its volunteers from the country to conduct an administrative review of the security situation.

Transnational criminal organizations conduct narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout the country and use violence to control drug trafficking routes and carry out other criminal activity. Other criminals, acting both individually and in gangs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, commit crimes such as murder, kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, rapes, and other aggravated assaults.

 (Pico Bonito - dense National Forest  - home to large number of endangered species)

(San Pedro Sula)

U.S. citizens should be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes or hotels, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Avoid wearing jewelry and do not carry large sums of money or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras, and do not walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails. Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with their doors locked to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets.

I'm sure you're thinking . . .

What on earth are WE thinking!!!  ??

I think we'll be okay on the "travel in groups of two" we have that part figured out.  Avoid wearing jewelry  . . . don't really have any . . . but I may just have to stock up on the indigenous locally crafted earrings as I do love that sort of thing . . .

No chance we'll be carrying large sums of cash.

So I guess we'll have to be cautious AND smart . . .

so . . .

I guess you could say I experienced a few moments of anxiety.

Until I saw this . . .

and it took me about  . . .

5 seconds

to realize that I am going to love the people.  

I know it.

And I can hardly wait.

So stay tuned . . . because there is certainly

MUCH

more to come. 

Continue Reading...

AND after two years . . .

Found this letter that offers a lot of insight into the life of a missionary -
(photos added by me for effect) 

Last Words from Honduras

Hey Fam,

Its here! The day has come and I've been thinking all week about what it was that I wanted to say you all today being my last time to write from here in Honduras. Ive slowly been writing this all week for you guys for my last email... I got the idea from a poem I have read in the mission.

I think I found out what the mission is.....

Its impossible to describe a mission, but rather its the moments, Its sending in your papers. Its opening the call that is signed by a prophet of the lord. Its the 3 months of time before the MTC that seems like its never gonna end. Its the hug from parents and brothers and sisters and walking away in the greatest adventure of a life time. The MTC, the rules, the packages, the classroom, the firesides and devotionals (actually being disappointed when its a Seventy speaking). Its flight plans, tons of food, testimonies, and cabin fever. Its the airport, a phone call sharing your first wanna be testimony in Spanish to your family as tears run down your face. Then out of the little swimming pool and into the ocean of uncertainty.

Its the mission presidents, trainers, realizing your didn't learn hardly any Spanish in those 9 weeks but loving it all at the same time. Its new food, new people, new culture, new language, new currency, new form of transportation, new routine, new everything under the sun (which is really hot). its a lot of first that change: first district meeting first contact, first lesson, first letter from home, first email, first Latin companion, first cold shower with water your not so sure you can touch and survive, first morning of trunkyness, first Sunday in church, first time a kid speaks and if and you turn to your comp to ask if that was Spanish and he only laughs, first First vision, first baptism... unforgettable, no matter how disorganized it is.

First changes come and its all a blurr after that. Its being anxious for your companion to leave then to your surprise you miss him when he is gone. Its 99 contacts.. and nothing. Its shaking fingers, lying children (my mom says shes not here), and barking biting dogs. But its the hope that contact number 100 will be the one. The one that wants to change. The one who has been crying for help to a God that he or she wants to follow, but doesn't know where to find him. The one that seems perfect: perfect questions, perfect work schedule, married, perfect kids that don't scream during a lesson and most importantly, a desire to make it work even if everything isn't perfect. its the hope of finding the one that gets you up every morning, gets you out of members house in 100 degree plus weather and when everyone is sleeping, and gets you to open your mouth and speak even though you don't speak well and don't like leaving your comfort zone.

Its finding the one, one convert, future priesthood holder, or better yet, one golden family. Its making plans, working with members, a lots and lots of prayers to help find that family. Many are found, but few choose to be chosen. Its thousands of disappointments as the family´s commitment falls to doubts, gossip, weather, or anything else clever that Satan comes up with on Saturday night. Its getting the family to church for the fist time and helping them feel at home. Its showing them the Church, presenting them to the bishop and other leaders, as well as the cute, outgoing teenage girl so that the young man in the investigator family will enjoy the experience as well. Its praying that the bishops 2 year old wont make too big of a fuss, that the speakers wont teach too much false doctrine, and that they will feel and recognize the spirit in spite of all that.

Its when that family gets baptized that the reality of what you are giving them hits you. Its the hope of having and eternal family. Its the hope of a better life, without pain and suffering. Its giving that Hope which brings you the greatest satisfaction and joy that you have ever experienced.

Its like going back in time and appreciating what you had back home. Its the firm declaration that you will never complain about vacuuming again when actually have carper, or mowing the lawn when you actually have grass.

Its having to shower with flip flops and washing your own clothes on those cement trays that you though they only used in the pioneer days.... and you learn to love it.

Its stepping into a baptismal font with freezing cold water, flipping a bug out, and doing your best to put your happy face on so that the little girl getting baptized doesn't get cold feet.

Its getting home soaked 75-80% of the time, whether from the rain or sweat, Its sitting in front of a fan wondering if you can do this another day in the oven your living in.

Its Elderes 14, Cockroaches 1 in a matter of just 2 weeks. Its letters and packages from home. Its wedding announcements, Dear Johns( luckily just to your buddies), pictures, and the realization that life does indeed move on without you!!

Its going through 3 pairs of shoes, ripped pants, missing buttons, shredded collars, and socks closer to heaven (holy).

Its ants, frogs, scorpions, cockroaches, rats, and the little bugs that give you killer diarrhea.

Its a rainstorm that soaks you and your comp cuz them so called umbrellas don't even work with true buckets are coming down on ya. Its walking through water up to your calves and not having anything else to do but laugh as people look at you like your crazy(which ISN'T a complete misconception). Its going out in the rain because an Elder once convinced you that for every rainstorm you work through, the hotter your future wife will be!

Its shortly after your year mark that you get a mini-calendar from your mom and sister and wondering if they are trying to kill you or if they think its gonna make time go by faster. From then on Its change day, Mothers day, Christmas Day, Hump Day, Birthday, P-day, Friendship Day, and Election Day (which always makes for an interesting Sunday). Its good days, bad days, killer journal entry days, and days that you just don't want to end. Those are the good ole days.

The days that cant be enjoyed without a price... hard work, sweat, discouragement, frustration, and faith.

Its discovering that God does hear and answer prayers. Sometimes He takes away from everyone else so that we can really get to know Him. Its coming to learn in a tiny degree, the power of the Atonement applies not only to vile sinners, but also to each individual, including you. Its feeling that power and knowing you'll never be the same.

Its knowing that you have a testimony and nobody can take that from you. Its building it one piece at a time. Joseph Smith was a prophet. The Book of Mormon is true. the priesthood keys have been restored. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. its sharing that testimony dozens of times a day that roots it deeply in your soul.

Its watching missionary after missionary give their final testimonies, while you are certain that day will never arrive for you... and then it does. Its learning the live in the moment and not for the moment because all too soon, its gone. Its the sunsets, the music, the dirt dusty streets, dirty kids. the tiny houses, and the love of the people. its soaking it all in, catching every detail, because you'll never get it back.

Its arriving at the last couple days in your mission, knowing your family is waiting NOT so patiently. Its those last couple contacts that you know you will never see get baptized but you still just wanna leave your soul with them.

Its wondering about the effect of one mission. Does one mission really have eternal consequences? Does planting one seed, teaching one lesson, finding one person really matter at all?

Did the mission of ONE make a difference?

Did His ministry, His teachings, His seed planting have an effect on the eternities?

Did His one infinite atonement pay the price of justice and give mercy her claim???

As you get ready to go back to the former life that you're convinced was just a dream, its realizing that while you were in the service of your fellow being, your have only been in the service of God. Its feeling your hear and soul overflow with gratitude for the chance you had to show your worth, give your all, and return with honor. its BECOMING like the ONE, the Only Begotten, the Son of Man, the Prince of Peace, the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, even Jesus Christ. Its those two years for which you will eternally praise the Lord, as the life that was converted more than any other was only one--YOU

Its the tears that roll down your cheek as you write your last email. Its knowing that this poem could go on forever but you don't know, when, how, or where to stop. Its wanting to tell your family how much you love them and hoping they will accept this as a final testimony from Honduras knowing now... without a doubt... that this is the true church.

Its being able to say SEE Y'ALL IN 3 DAYS knowing that these 2 years may come to an end... but the mission never will, just new people, clothes, cell phones, and your family and old friends back!
Its not having to say... UNTIL NEXT WEEK, rather... see you soon enough!

Im over excited to see all of you... you have no idea.

Love you all!!

Love your missionary

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