I’m home….
I will be speaking on Sunday September 8th at 10:30 am
Here's the addy:
Here is a journal entry from my first real week in the field:
“8-12-22
Today- I don't wanna talk about it- but I must cuz this is a journal. We woke up, I did my pull ups and got ready. I read Jacob 4- bomb. Had some pizza and comp inventory and got to know eachother better. Then some “street-contacting” and basically- no. Not good.
We had dinner with a fun family, more pizza. lol. And the mom ate with her mouth open. I gave the thought (1st time) I was stupidly redundant and rambled the whole time! I feel like crap. I said things over and over and caught myself in words but invited them to give away a BOM. So. Ya. I guess I did well. Just redundant.
Then we met with Sal- the Muslim. He taught us Islam. Then we taught him about us. I used the word ‘priesthood’ and didn't explain it, but Prestwich covered for me. It was weird and super cool and idk. I feel like I did a bad job. I know what I did wrong and I feel lame. I will be better and work on it.”
Here's one from the last day of my mission:
“8-21-24
We “get up” (I never slept a wink) at 3:00am and shower and get dressed. We drive to the airport, as we drive we sing “called to serve” one last time. We check our bags- 49 lbs and 49.5. Wow. I just about died. . .
Us Utah elders take a seat and soon it's been unbearably long so walk around the terminal and find a goofy bench to sit on. Elder Fanos nudges me and points at some kid signing- ASL in the airport- what? So I'm up and over there. His name is Daniel and he's a straight legend. Brother is off to college, R.I.T. He's curious about baptism and Jesus. We had a great talk and I felt so natural talking and teaching. God really just gave me the perfect Deaf kid- right there in the airport during my last HOURS as a missionary. . .
The time goes fast. I cry a little bit. The plane lands. . . .
I walk through those doors and instantly I see my mom. She's crying. A ton! My whole family is there + Sione! Hugs all around, long crying hugs. And just like that I'm home. I'm home. I'm home. . .
President Griffith asks me a few questions and I cry as I struggle to answer. It's hard to talk about the last 25 months in a few sentences. So I struggle and everybody cries and then—he releases me. Just like that- tags off and now I can listen to Olivia Rodrigo again. Crazy. . . .
What a crazy crazy experience. I'm home. I'm new. I'm changed. I'm ready to go to work”
I have completely changed. The mission is so precious. Being a missionary is sacred. Being a life-long disciple is sacred. I have learned so many skills that will make every day of my life better. I have learned what repentance actually is- and I have learned there's still a lot I don't know about repentance.
Looking back at who I was 2 years ago is a TRIP. WOW. My confidence and testimony have soared. I'm a quicker learner, I know 2 more languages, I'm a better driver, my humor is much cleaner and powerful. I’m better at loving people. I’m much more versed in scripture. I feel like I truly have the ability to meditate. I understand my identity as a Son of God much more deeply. I love the temple so much more because I know so much more. I'm more resilient, patient, disciplined, and motivated.
I have a better relationship with my Shepherd.
If you want to be a better version of yourself- serve God. Nothing will help you to improve and be the best person you can more than living a life of service to God.
Reading the Book of Mormon showed me who Jesus Christ is. Studying the scriptures with the intent of learning has answered my prayers again and again.
I know it's all true. Like Nephi, I'm ready to head Into the wilderness. I'm ready for trials. My testimony cannot be shaken. I know in whom I've trusted. Every time I've trusted in Him, He's caught me.
Now that I'm home everything is weird lol. Feels like I've got no friends because they're all in California or still serving somewhere else. Talking to people is weird again lol. I've started on finishing the basement, soon I'll be covered in Drywall powder 24/7.
I miss the Deaf Branch. I miss the Indians. I miss driving the Lord's cars. I miss comp study. I miss Wendys with the District. I miss member-meals! I really miss my missionary friends.
I miss the twinkling of the chandelier in the Oakland temple.
It's good to be with my family. It's good to be home. It's good to have some new kinds of stress. It’ll be good to work and date and go to college.
Thank you all for joining me on this journey. This is the last email lol. I love you all so much, I know love is real and powerful.
Jesus loves you.
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