Final Thoughts

 Final Thoughts

Well, I have been been home for almost 5 months now, and I wanted to write a few final thoughts about my experiences in Germany. I think the time away from it has really put everything in a larger perspective. As a missionary, life is really hard but so overwhelmingly simple at the same time. You have one purpose -- to invite people to come unto Christ. We do that day in, day out. Every action I took for 2 years was focused on that purpose. It was so amazing to focus my whole life on that purpose. As I have been home, I have realized that there are soooo many things -- even good things -- that distract us from that most important purpose. 

The last few months of my mission, I didn't write weekly letters very often because I was serving as Assistant to President Leimer. It was one of the most rewarding but exhausting experiences of my life. I felt like I was constantly working and responding to texts and messages from 6.30am to 11.00pm. I loved it. I love being busy. It's like President Hickley's dad said to him "Lose yourself in the work". I finally understood that in the last few months of my mission. We had such amazing success with online in Hannover and Berlin. It was mentally taxing to stare at a screen for hours and hours everyday, but I know it was worth it. It made me realize that missionary work should be a natural part of our lives. It should be a natural consequence of the way we live our life. President Leimer coined the phrase "sweetly bold". It is important to never hesitate or make excuses for not sharing the gospel, we should do it out of love and genuine care for other people.

I am thankful that my mission shaped me to be more like my Savior. Thus far it has been the best 2 years of my life, but I hope that it doesn't stay that way. I hope to be able to continue to grow closer and more like my Savior. I hope that I can be a great example and a great missionary for the rest of my life. 

I love Germany with all my heart and I can't wait to go back someday. I met so many amazing people and had such amazing experiences. It really was life changing and I am so thankful for the privilege I have to be a part of the restored church of Jesus Christ. I know that he lived on the earth 2000 years ago and that he is my personal Savior. He gave us his gospel and showed us the path back to our Father in Heaven. I can not wait until the day when I see his face again, and I hope I will feel proud of the person I have become.