I cannot believe my mission is over. It seemed like this day would never actually come. This week was seriously the fastest week of my mission. I feel like yesterday was Monday and now its here again!
This week was amazing and also really hard! So first of all, Ron and Deb moved their temple day up so I could be there! We got to go on Thursday with them when Debie received her endowment and it was amazing!!! It was the grand finale of my mission to be able to be there for that. They are seriously such incredible people and I have been able to watch their transformation over the past couple months. In October they both refused to come to church, wouldn't pay tithing, and didn't want to give up coffee. Now Deb has read the Book of Mormon, Pearl of Great Price, and Doctrine and Covenants, they've both come to church every Sunday since Christmas, they've paid tithing for the past 2 months, and they are temple worthy!!! Saying goodbye to them last night was super hard for us and them. They told us it felt like they were losing their own kids.
We also said goodbye to the Twitchells last night which was so sad! Erin (the mom) has become one of my good friends and I have seen her blossom so much since she has returned to church. I have come to love their family so much. Maddy and Kylie remind me so much of me and Mckell when we were little! They are the cutest and I can't wait to see what they do with the rest of their lives!
I could go on and on about all of the amazing people I've met out here but I'll be able to tell you guys about it in person or over the phone pretty soon so I'll wait on that :)
It has been an emotional roller coaster of a week for sure. I've just been doing a lot of pondering about the past 18 months and how blessed I have been. I've met so many people that will be a part of my life forever. I have played a small part in helping Heavenly Father find and help the lost and lonely sheep. This has been the most fulfilling journey I have ever taken.
My mission has not been easy. There were times I wanted to quit. But I knew that if I kept pressing forward I would do great things. I knew the Lord would sustain me and help me. And that He did. I have learned who God is and who His son, Jesus Christ is. I've learned that they love me and want to help me. I've learned who I am. I have gained confidence in myself and in my Heavenly Father that I was certainly lacking before.
I wanted to be able to say by the end of my mission that I had changed. I wanted to say that my testimony grew. I wanted to say that I had helped others and served with all my heart. I know I haven't been a perfect missionary and there were times when I didn't say the right thing or times when I didn't take an opportunity to talk to someone I could have. But I gave the Lord my best. I am proud of myself and the mission I have completed. I can say with confidence that I will return with honor.
I love you all so much and have been so grateful for your support this last year and a half. I hope to hear from all of you soon or see you soon! I'm not sure what my new number is yet but message me on Facebook or something and I'll get it to you.
With much love,
Until tomorrow,
Sister Park
*Temple with Ron and Deb
*Erin!
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