Well...Who would have
thought it would ever come to this day?? I swear when I first started I
had forever left and now? Days. In TWO days, to be exact. That, my
friends, is insane. I cannot believe that after all this time I'll be on
a flight home headed for Salt Lake by this time on Wednesday.
It's
been with mixed emotions that I've completed this week. I don't have a
planner anymore. That's not ok. I soon won't have a name tag, which is
not ok. (I waited 5 months for it!) And I've been able to see some
amazing people come unto Jesus Christ, to make that commitment and come
to the waters of baptism. That is totally ok! I'm so grateful I was
called to serve as an Indy Missionary. I never would have thought it
would be this kind of ride but man, it was worth the 18 months.
In
a grand final review, my mission in a nutshell included 11 companions
including the MTC, 6 areas ranging from 6 weeks to 4 1/2 months, and
tons of miracles that the Hand of God was willing to give to us as we
worked and did all those things that He needed us to do.
Greenwood: 4 1/2 Months, McKendrick and Bulman
Seymour: 6 Weeks, Hofheins
Warsaw: 4 1/2 Months, Bradshaw, Hathcock
Crawfordsville: 3 Months, Anderson
Fishers: 3 Months, Munoz and Thalman, Eralie
Zionsville: 3 Months, Simmons
I feel like it's the hardest thing trying to write out how you felt about the last 18 months of your life when you've been so close to Heavenly Father and are helping Him in His plan to bring Souls unto Him. I mean I feel like I can catch a glimpse of parenthood because of it. Spending all this time taking care of people and loving them as well as hoping to see them go places, being disappointed when they say no or push you away, being overcome with love as they take the steps into the font and are baptized then confirmed at church. I've seen and been to a lot of baptisms. So many people have followed Christ into the True and Everlasting Church. I'm so happy to be one of those people and to help my loved ones see that too.
When
looking back at it, there were a TON of ups and downs. Hardships,
heartaches, and difficulties were not few. Seeing the miracles of Christ
help others in their life, or even just adding to the light they
already have were many. I've made friends and had opportunities I don't
think I ever would have had had I not served a mission. I'm grateful for
the experience and for the chance to come to know my Savior a little
more. When I was in the MTC someone once said it was My Time with
Christ. I can see now how true that statement is. My Savior has helped
me see so much and open my view of the world and how merciful the Lord
truly is.
I just think by the end of this I've
learned life lessons and values I've been lacking. All these life
lessons, all these spiritual lessons, all of these things that happen
when you're a missionary.
It truly is
incredible. This has been one of the hardest weeks of my mission. It was
so hard saying goodbye to the people I've come to love. I'm excited to
add them on Social Media, of course, but it will never be the same. I know
Indiana is a stone's throw away and I'm grateful to be so darn close to
home and have the opportunity to come out whenever I want. It's not
going to be the same without the tag. I know it's only temporary to feel
like this and I'm going to miss Indy a ton. I'm going to miss everyone
so much and to know the people I knew and helped, it's just incredible. I
made a ton of friends and have now three bridesmaids for my wedding one
day. :) It's been incredible. I'm ready. Let's do this.
I
know that this Church is True. It is the Church of God and I've come to
know my Savior more through it. I know His love for me and He would go
through the Atonement again if only for me. He would do it again for you,
if only you. That's how much He loves us. I'm so grateful to know of
His love. I know Joseph Smith is a Prophet of God. I know he translated
the Book of Mormon through the power of Heavenly Father and Because of
Jesus Christ. I know these things are true and if you are struggling,
kneel down and pray. I've seen how it helps and affects me. I know it
can help you too. I know by the power of the Holy Ghost you can come to
know that these things are true too. I love you all and know Heavenly
Father does too. :)
In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Monday: played sports, hung out, said tons of goodbyes.
Tuesday: Had dinner with the Bullocks! Departing Interview with President Cleveland :(, preparing for life.
Wednesday
- Sunday was a blur of people and seeing them and saying good bye. I
made wonderful friends here. I will miss Indy. But I'm coming home and I
can ALWAYS come back. :)
It's not about point A to point B. It's about the Journey. And boy oh boy was this a journey. :) Love you all. See you Soon.
Love,
Sister Halverson
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