I've been asked many times to finish up my adventures as a missionary and post some pictures. It has been hard to sit and put all my thoughts and emotions into words about the final days of my mission but I am going to try my best to express what an amazing experience I had serving the Lord and the people of San Fernando, California. Because although it was incredibly trying, being a missionary was also the most rewarding experience I have ever had. I am so grateful for the time I was given to bring the gospel to others and for them to teach me by their humble and sincere examples. It is something I would never trade for anything!
My last week in the mission field was back in May. It was a short week for me because it was when I got the call telling me that Salt Lake had decided that I should go home to recover. After President Hall told me the news, everything seemed to go so fast. They already had flight plans for me. Those last few days are such a blur, I'm still not quite sure what happened. Luckily I have pictures to jog my memory. :)
Saying goodbye to Jackie. I walked her dog Tarzan every week with my companions. Hermana Moir and I gave her a Book of Mormon which she was excited to read. When we gave it to her she said, "Remember I told you that I can't remember what I read anymore?" We promised her that she would be happy by reading it. She is in her 90s and is one of the classiest ladies I know. I loved the talks we had about "those Mormon missionaries" and seeing her smile every time we walked in.
Saying good by to sassy Felicia, the director at Avant Garde where we volunteered every week. She loved having the missionaries come help her. (And she often gave us ice cream, my favorite :)
My last district meeting. I loved this district so much. These missionaries took such great care of me. Special thanks to my dear companion Hermana Moir who sat through countless doctors appointments and gave me the greatest pep talks. I don't know what I would have done without her. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father sent her to me! She was my angel.
My district leader Elder McKinney. I am so grateful for him and his support. He was always ready to serve me and my companion. I'm grateful for leaders and friends who help us through hard times!
Our last family history night with Carlitos. He was still shocked that I was going home the next day, as you can tell. haha
The Family History specialists. I learned so much for them! They became a little family to me.
Doing the Lord's work will make you so happy! I can even back that up with a quote from President Russel M. Nelson: "You can experience true delight from family history work. Searching for and finding family members who have preceded you on earth - those who did not have an opportunity to accept the gospel while here - can bring immense joy."
***
After lots of goodbyes, and a long airplane ride, I was finally able to see the people who I had missed so much. My family supported me through everything and I'm so grateful they let me leave so I could have so many amazing experiences serving the Lord. But lets just say "home sweet home" took on a new meaning for me. Getting to hug my family was just what I needed. I know that families can be eternal! I am so grateful for that truth, and for my incredible family
All together again!
Can't forget Jack..
***
It was so bittersweet to come home. I loved my mission so much, but knew that Heavenly Father knew me personally and that his ways are higher than my ways. I loved what Elder Rafael E. Pino said last General Conference, "The Lord knows what He wants to accomplish with each one of us." I know with all my heart that He has a plan and that as I trust in His plan for me, I will witness blessings and miracles in my life. He also said, "The Lord knows where each piece belongs so that it fits into the plan." -His perfect plan.
After a month of testing in the mission, I was finally able to find the cause of the pain when I came back to Maryland. It was nothing short of a miracle! I know Heavenly Father was with me every step of my journey. I had my gallbladder removed a week after returning home.
Coming out of surgery and already feeling so much better.
A sweet note from my sister.
***
I am so grateful for the testimony I have that I grew to love so much while serving the Lord as a missionary. I know that the He is in charge of His missionary work. I feel so privileged that I was able to serve my Lord and my God. I know that He lives and that He knows us and loves us perfectly. Jesus Christ is our Savior. His Atonement is infinite and all encompassing. We can turn to Him who understands completely. He lives! I know that Heavenly Father really does listen to our prayers and answers them. I can testify that the gospel is what brings us true happiness in life. It is what has brought happiness to me. I am so grateful that I got to see the miracle of the Atonement change the lives of those around me, especially mine. I love Him and I love His gospel. I know that there really is a divine plan that our loving Heavenly Father has prepared for our eternal happiness.
Estoy tan agradecida por la oportunidad de
participar en la gran obra del Señor.
Love,
Rachel
"Following His light and example will bring us joy, happiness, and peace." Elder Quentin L. Cook