Hola familia y amigos,
So this is it. the end has come. This is my last email as a
missionary.
Wow I can't believe this day is already here. I feel like its not actually
happening, that I'm dreaming...
Well this week was pretty normal. I won't spend too much time on details
because I'm going to be seeing you all soon...
On Wednesday we had a world wide missionary training conference and we got
to watch it through satellite transmission. we got to listen to Elders Anderson,
Bednar and Oaks, and it was awesome. I felt really animated to work and then it
was like "wait, I go home in a week" but we still worked hard.
Friday I had my last interview with Presidente Obeso. It was a really
special experience. So much has changed since our first interview when I didn't
know what was going on and he had to speak to me in broken English haha. We
talked a lot about what I've learned in my mission and what I will continue to
learn after. I was relieved that he didn't tell me I have to get married within 6
months haha.
On Friday the branch threw we a farewell party along with a family home
evening. It was really sweet. They made cupcakes and printed out signs of my
nametag to put on all the walls. I shared my testimony with them and cried. The
members here in San Pablo are like my family.
Sunday I gave my last talk in church. I also had to teach the Sunday School
class so the branch was tired of listening to me haha. I`ve already started
saying goodbye to people and packing suitcases...
Presidente Obeso told me that when a missionary goes home, its normal to
have three feelings 1. excitement 2. sadness 3. fear. I'm excited to see my
family and friends. I'm sad that I have to leave Chile, leave the people I love
and stop being a missionary. And I'm afraid and nervous of what the future holds
and what it will all be like when I get home.
Well, I would like to end with my last testimony:
I remember what I came into the mission, I thought a year and half would
last an eternity. But it has gone by in the blink of an eye and it has surely
been the best 18 months of my life. It hasn't been easy. I have passed through
pain, suffering, sadness, but it was all worth it. Because now when I look back
all I remember are the wonderful moments.
someone very dear to me once said that the mission is like a beautiful
field of white roses. from a distance it all seems spectacular but as you start
to work your way through the field the thorns start to prick and you bleed and
it hurts and you start to think that you don't want to do this anymore. but you
keep going. and in the end when you make it through the field you look back at
all the beautiful roses and you realize that it all seems even more wonderful
now and it was worth every painful step.
It has been a complete honor and privilege to serve my Lord and Savior
Jesus Christ for the past 18 months. I wish I could do it for the rest of my
life. I wish I could have more time, but it must come to an end. Heavenly Father
has other plans in store for me. More people to serve, to love, and to help.
More blessings to discover and more lessons to learn. The end of the mission and
the removal of my nametag do not mean that I stop being a servant of the Lord. I
will serve Him for the rest of my life until the day I die and then for the rest
of eternity.
As a representative of Jesus Christ I testify that He lives. He is the Son
of God. He is our savior and redeemer. He suffered and died for every single one
of us. His sacrifice, His atonement is powerful, it can clean and purify us. He
is the only way we can return back to the presence of our Heavenly Father. He is
my example, my friend, my teacher. He is my Master. I serve HIm. I have not been
a perfect servant, but I know He loves me.
I testify that God and Jesus Christ have restored their church on the
earth. That Joseph Smith was a prophet of God and today we have a living
prophet, Thomas S. Monson to lead and guide us. He holds the priesthood keys
and power to direct the work of the Lord here on the earth.
I testify that the Book of Mormon is the word of God. I know it is true. That book has changed my life. Every chapter, every verse testifies of Christ and
of God`s plan for all His Children.
I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the church of
God and of the living Christ.
I will never forget these days. I will never forget the blessings, lessons,
trials, and miracles that I have seen. I don't want it all to end.
But the Lord calls me to a new work. I will serve Him for the rest of my
life.
I want to thank all of you for you love, support, letters, and
encouragement. I love you all. see you soon.
love, Hermana Williams