March 02, 2015

"There is no real ending. It's just the place where you stop the story."

- Frank Herbert

Shoot Dang! 18 months have flown by! I can’t believe that this is the last week… it has been amazing! I will NEVER forget or regret my time here in the Great OCM!

I will be honest… serving a mission has been the MOST difficult thing I have EVER done. There were moments where I felt hopeless. Moments where I questioned the message I was sharing or the testimony that I have. There were moments where I cried myself to sleep. Moments, at the beginning, where we tracted and tracted and tracted, and no one would listen. There were times when I woke up, and my first thought was, “Here we go again.” There were moments when we got yelled at, and all I wanted to do was yell right back at them. Then there were moments when I felt completely alone and also moments when I simply just wanted to be. There was many times where I felt incompetent and moments where I knew I was not good enough. There were moments when I just wanted to be with my family at home.

The funny thing about all these hard moments is that I remember them as if it happened yesterday, but each time I look back on them, I can’t remember the feelings associated with each experience. The one thing that I do remember though is when I felt my Savior’s love and was reminded that I CAN DO THIS!

Because of that reminder, I've been blessed to remember all the happy moments and the feelings that are associated with each memory. I remember meeting my district at the MTC and having so many laughs with them. I remember seeing my mission president and his wife and wanting to just hug them! I remember finding my first investigator, Theresa, and seeing her be baptized. I remember the peace, love, and joy that came from each child of God I taught, enter into the waters of baptism. 

I remember the powerful zone conferences and the super spiritual Mission Leadership Councils. I remember the crazy experiences my companions and I witnessed as we knocked doors or visited members. I remember when I was blessed with the gift of tongues to talk to one of our deaf investigators. 

I remember the moments where my companions and I would laugh and laugh! I remember feelings I have felt as investigators, less-actives, members, and myself witnessed and experienced the cleansing power of the Atonement and allowed that to bring us all closer to our Father in Heaven.

Each of these moments and memories have caused me to truly understand how this is the Lord’s work, and by Him, through Him, and with Him, all things are possible. I know that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer. I know He has walked with me and has carried me many times! Because of Him, my testimony has grown more than I ever imagined! I was always told that your mission will be the most selfless service you will ever give and do. Well, I feel like everyone is wrong; I've been given much more than anyone and anything.

I have been able to see and witness the power of prayer. It is a way to communicate with God, and I know that He hears and answers our prayers! I have been able to see the power behind the words of God, the scriptures. I know that they were written for us to help us and guide us. We are able to liken them to ourselves and use them as tools to help us in any situation we may be in. I have read the stories many times, but never before have I been able to relate to the people like I have out here on my mission. I have been able to be bold like Abinadi, strong like Nephi, dependent like The Brother of Jared, and courageous like Ammon. (I still have a long ways to go though). I have been able to see the reality of eternal families and know that is what I want some day. I have gained a firmer testimony of family history and understand now more than ever that there are many people waiting for us to do their work so they can rejoice and return to live with our Heavenly Father and theirs (Hearts Bound Together, President Eyring). I have come to know the power of the Holy Ghost and how he is truly a member of the Godhead that abides with us as we remain worthy! It is real and is given to us to help keep our end of the covenant that we made at baptism. I love the temple, and I know that it is God’s house on earth. That is the goal for everyone! Get there! I know that serving others is truly serving our God. He will help us with anything as we have our minds and hearts turned to Him and do all things with our eye single to His glory. I know that we are given companions to help us; I have learned so much about myself from my companions and have been able to learn from them in more ways than one.

I know that my friends have been truly wonderful and have helped me in more ways than one. I am so grateful for my family who has been there to support me every step of the way. I know that I would not and could not be here without you! I am grateful for every single one of you, and I look forward to seeing you and hugging you soon! (Especially you mom!!!)

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom on the earth again. I know that our Father in Heaven loves us so much that He sent His Son to atone for our sins so that we could live with our Father again. He set the perfect example for us to follow. I know that as we pattern our lives after His, we will inherit the kingdom of God. I know that He pours out His love upon us by calling prophets. I know that Joseph Smith was called to restore the church back to the earth. He translated The Book of Mormon through the power of God. It is another testament of our Savior Jesus Christ. I know it, and I will forever live because I absolutely love it! I love this gospel! I love this work, and I have loved my job!

-- Sister Gale