So it has been an exciting week as a missionary. We had many lessons (always could've had more) I had my interview with President Chambers, Tiwi (our driving monitor) yelled at me a couple times, because of course we were late. We went to the Jordan River Temple on Friday with the other missionaries who are leaving with me. (There were some disruptive senior patrons in our session, gave us a good laugh.) We had lunch and dinner everyday this week, that was really nice. We had some last adventures up in the canyon. On Sunday, we spoke at 11 and then I had to sing at 1 and Sister Arthur went to teach at Relief Society and then we met back up and taught Young Womens. The greatest part of this whole week is knowing that I am loved here and receiving that confirmation that the Lord is happy with my mission and that I did the best I could.
Yesterday I spoke in a ward that I
don't even know and I just picked up two weeks ago, but it didn't
matter, I still cried as I gave my talk because it didn't matter who the
people were, I love them. And then the stake president was there and he
came to that ward just hear me speak for the last time. Then they sang
"God be with you till you meet again." I don't know who picked that
song, but it was not a good idea, because that just made things harder.
I
have to say that this has truly been the best experience of my life and
I wouldn't change it for the world. I have seen lives change because of
the gospel and I have seen my life change. Heavenly Father loves each
and everyone of us. He is in the details of our lives. Jesus Christ is
our Savior and I have been able to walk with Him on my mission and see
the effects the atonement can have on each and everyone of us if only we
would let Him in. The Book of Mormon is true, if you haven't picked it
up in the past two days then it has been too long! We need to read it
everyday even if it's just a verse. It can bring us peace and comfort, and is necessary to help us receive our eternal salvation. Joseph Smith
is a prophet of God. I have had the opportunity to study his life these
past couple of weeks and the history of the church and it has only
strengthened my testimony of him and the work that he has done on this
earth. Thomas S. Monson is a prophet and he will help guide us home, if
we listen and follow the things he and the apostles have to tell us. I
love this gospel so much. I couldn't imagine my life without it. I am
grateful to have been an instrument in the Lords hands. We cannot do
this work on our own, we need Him to do it and to do all things.
The
greatest thing I have learned my last transfer has been from my
companion Sister Arthur. She talks about light a lot, and how we each
have a light within us. How this calling of being missionaries is
not about us it's about everyone around us. So as we look into the
valley at night we see all the little lights and all these lights
represent the people we serve and they are Gods children. My favorite
scripture on my mission has been D&C 88:67
"And if your
eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light,
and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled
with light comprehendeth all things."
Let us share our light and help the light of others shine through. The gospel brings light and I love it so much!
Thank
you for always praying for me and for supporting me on my mission. I
have felt those prayers lift me up and strengthen me everyday.
I love you all very very much! I'll see you soon!
Love,
Sister Kaytie Swain
