Wow... Things have been absolutely crazy. It is so bizarre that I've only got a week left. Yesterday I gave my last testimony to the Branch. It's probably my most spiritual and powerful testimony that I've given. Before I got up to go give it, it really hit me and set in that I'm going home. I had to hold back tears. It's a very bittersweet feeling to be this close to going home. On the one hand, you feel so sad to be leaving behind an entire lifestyle, not to mention the friends you've made and grown close to. On the other hand, you're so excited to get back to your family, to be able to do some of the things you just love to do and haven't really been able to do for two years, to move on with your life. I can totally see how Alma, Paul, Peter, and many many others have devoted their entire lives to their mission. My departing temple trip is tomorrow, as well as my final interview. I'm going to ask for a blessing from President Reynolds to help guide and protect me, and to endow me with the Lord's special aide as I transition from mission life to rm-life.
I'd have to say that one of the things that the Lord has taught me the most, and has been making it evident to me that I have learned it, is how to be close to the spirit and the Lord, and to discern His will for me. I've had some experiences where I have felt the Spirit be offended by those we have visited, where the Spirit has left because of our surroundings. I have been guided and employed as a servant of the Lord to reveal amazing things to His children. I have felt Him talk to me, comfort and counsel me. Talking with the Lord, and receiving His guidance is one of the things I crave the most, now. It is so fulfilling and extraordinary. I can't imagine living my life without the Spirit's light. I pray really hard that I can always keep that spirit, and that all of us can always have His spirit to be with us.
My mission truly is one eternal round. I started my mission in a trio in the MTC, and now I am finishing in one. Our dear District Leader's companion had to go home to take care of some things, so we're finishing this transfer out in a trio. I think this one's going to be my favorite trio.
I don't wan't my grandpas to die!!! I made it one of my post-mission goals to call them at least once a month and talk about family history stuff and especially to get to know them better. I kinda regret not getting to know them better. I want to know what it was like for them to grow up, what they remember about their parents, stuff like that. I'll definitely be praying for them. Might even put their names on the prayer roll tomorrow.
I'm probably going to need to take the math exam when I get home... Need to look into that. My advisor said I need to talk to the 'math dudes.' I'll ask him to email me some contact info. Other than tuition due on the 14th, I can't really think of any other due dates. Our week is jam-packed full, so I'll do what I can. I need to pack up all my stuff and get my iPad ready to be wiped this week.
I love you all, and I'm really looking forward to coming home to you.
Brandt
I'd have to say that one of the things that the Lord has taught me the most, and has been making it evident to me that I have learned it, is how to be close to the spirit and the Lord, and to discern His will for me. I've had some experiences where I have felt the Spirit be offended by those we have visited, where the Spirit has left because of our surroundings. I have been guided and employed as a servant of the Lord to reveal amazing things to His children. I have felt Him talk to me, comfort and counsel me. Talking with the Lord, and receiving His guidance is one of the things I crave the most, now. It is so fulfilling and extraordinary. I can't imagine living my life without the Spirit's light. I pray really hard that I can always keep that spirit, and that all of us can always have His spirit to be with us.
My mission truly is one eternal round. I started my mission in a trio in the MTC, and now I am finishing in one. Our dear District Leader's companion had to go home to take care of some things, so we're finishing this transfer out in a trio. I think this one's going to be my favorite trio.
I don't wan't my grandpas to die!!! I made it one of my post-mission goals to call them at least once a month and talk about family history stuff and especially to get to know them better. I kinda regret not getting to know them better. I want to know what it was like for them to grow up, what they remember about their parents, stuff like that. I'll definitely be praying for them. Might even put their names on the prayer roll tomorrow.
I'm probably going to need to take the math exam when I get home... Need to look into that. My advisor said I need to talk to the 'math dudes.' I'll ask him to email me some contact info. Other than tuition due on the 14th, I can't really think of any other due dates. Our week is jam-packed full, so I'll do what I can. I need to pack up all my stuff and get my iPad ready to be wiped this week.
I love you all, and I'm really looking forward to coming home to you.
Brandt