2 Years Ago...

Two years ago today I returned from the

Colorado Denver North Mission

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

I cannot believe it has already been 2 whole years. What an amazing time in my life. What an opportunity I had to be able to serve. I am so blessed. I can honestly say it was the best 18 months of my life.

This is Sister Bunk and I in front of the Denver International Airport as we got ready to fly home. Sister Bunk and I were MTC companions.

I have been thinking a lot about January 8, 2008 today. I wanted to remember what I was thinking and feeling, so I pulled out my journal. I will share some of what I wrote...

January 8, 2008

It has been a hard day. I think it kind of hit me last night. I knelt down to pray & it hit me - I couldn't get out any words as I was crying uncontrollably. I am going home. I could not stand the thought that this would be my last night as a missionary.

I cried and cried and cried. Sister Lima came and rubbed my back for a little while-no words were said-she is amazing. I am so blessed to have her as my companion. I have learned so much from her. What a wonderful missionary, and a wonderful example to me.

We left the West's home at 6:00am to go to the Loveland Park-N-Ride. We arrived and it was FREEZING. We took a few pictures, visited, and said goodbye. Amazing missionaries.

...

When we got to the Transfer Meeting the Missionaries were all singing hymns. The Spirit was amazing in that meeting. Elder Milne conducted the meeting... I led the missionaries in The Standard of Truth. As I went to sit down Sister Montague whispered "last time" I nodded with a full heart and was seated.

President Montague then introduced the new missionaries. I loved watching their faces! It made me reflect on my 1st Transfer Meeting and I was happy! :)

...

It was a pleasure and an honor to serve as one of the Lord's missionaries these past 18 months. I know this is where Heavenly Father wanted me to be.

(A portion of my testimony... written on the plane...)

We have a Father in Heaven who loves us. I know that is is involved in every area of our lives. I know that he sent his Son to Earth for us. I know that the Atonement of Our Savior is real and is the ultimate act of love. I know that Christ was and is the perfect example and I know that if we will come unto Him and follow His example and Keep the Commandments we will have Eternal Life. Eternal life with our Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and those we love. I know that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was Restored to the Earth in this dispensation. I am grateful for the humility of a 14 year old boy - that he would kneel and ask Heavenly Father for direction. I know that God the Father & Jesus Christ did appear to the boy Joseph Smith. Many blessings came as a result of the Restoration. I am particularly grateful that the Priesthood keys which were restored-for our blessing and benefit. I know that we have a living Prophet today. I know that he will lead us in the way of truth if we will but listen and act.

I know that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's Church. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ LIVE, they love us, and this I know because the Spirit has witnessed to me of it's truth.

What an experience. I served under President & Sister Montague. The best of the best. I love them so much. I served in 4 areas: Greeley (1 transfer), Boulder (4 transfers), Fort Collins (6 transfers), and Loveland (2 transfers). I had 8 companions: Sister Bunk (MTC), Sister Atwood & Sister Silva (Greeley), Sister Kum Kee (Boulder), Sister Alfaro, Sister Correa, Sister Prince (Fort Collins), and Sister Lima (Loveland). All amazing Sisters. I learned so much from each and every one of them. Lessons that will last a lifetime. Lastly I have an amazing family who supported me through EVERYTHING.

For all who had a part in those 18 months of my life:

THANK YOU & I LOVE YOU