I don't think I'd ever be able to pick the best week of my mission... but if I tried, this week would definitely be in the running! From the temple trip to the departing devotional to seeing some of the wonderful people from my old areas... it's been a busy and eventful week!
First of all, we had a baptism this Saturday! Well, a double baptism to be exact. It was the best! I am so excited to see this branch grow even more! I will have to tell you all about Claudia's story when I get home.
I'm not sure if I can even describe how hard it was to have all my "lasts" this week but it was so good to be able to see everyone last night at my departing devotional. I had lots of happy tears and I remember taking tons of pictures but not one of them on my own camera... Hopefully I'll find them on Facebook one day haha.
Yesterday I was able to give a 10 min talk in Sacrament meeting in the branch and then share a short experience in my devotional. Boy am I tired of hearing myself talk!
It is so surreal to me that I'm writing you my last group email as Hermana Granado. I want to tell you so many things but my mind is just so scattered!
The one thing I know is that I have been where I needed to be for the past 18 months. I remember how nervous and scared I was to start my mission and how sad I was to leave all of you. But also how excited I was to start this journey! Now I'm feeling the same way about going home. I'm nervous and scared about going back into the real world and sad to leave behind all of the wonderful people I've met. And really excited to see you all again and get those hugs that only family can give!
There is a quote from an Apostle that I love - he's talking to missionaries and he says "All the hardships, all the tears, all the hard work will be looked back upon as the best thing you've ever done. Not because you enjoyed it, not because you baptized everyone, but because you gave it everything you had. Even when you didn't think you could and especially when you didn't want to. Come out of your mission proud of what you've done and this experience will bless the rest of your life."
I can't think of a better way to say it! I've given a year and a half of my life to the Lord and to serving His children and He's given me more blessings than I could ever say. Blood sweat and tears have gone into this - literally! There were times when I didn't think I could do it and there were times where I know I didn't do it - the Lord has been here with me. He has helped me and He is going to continue to help me for the rest of my life. I am just so grateful for this experience and I know that it will impact me in everything I do afterward.
Thank you for your sacrifices, support, love and encouragement. You have all had a part in helping me get here and I wouldn't change it for the world. You've all helped me BECOME the person that I am today. Thank you for everything, I love you - see you tomorrow!
Love,
Hermana Granado
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