John Denver

Have you ever heard the phrase "Why do all good things come to an end?" or John Denver's "Leaving on a Jet Plane?" That's about what I'm feeling right now. The end of my mission is quickly drawing nigh, and I don't really even know what to even do with myself. Over the last couple weeks, I've been thinking a lot about how my mission has changed my life. It's been the greatest experience I've ever had. In so many ways, it has blessed my life.

Before my mission, I thought I had gone through hard times, disappointments, and discouragements. But there have been times on my mission where I have never felt so alone, so disappointed, discouraged, so weak, flawed, and useless. Missions are hard, I knew that. But I could have never expected some of the things I faced. However, there have been times on my mission where I have never felt so loved, so full of joy, so strong, so fearless, so full of love for others. I have never felt so close to my Heavenly Father and my Savior, as I have on my mission. It's been awesome and I'm going to miss it. But it doesn't mean I'm going to stop what I've been doing over the past 18 months. Because...

I know that the church is true. God is really our loving Heavenly Father. He loves us so much that He sent His Only Begotten Son to the earth to atone for the sins of the world (John 3:16-17). Jesus Christ established His church on the earth when He was here, and it has been restored through a living prophet named Joseph Smith. The Prophet Joseph translated the Book of Mormon through the gift and power of God. It truly is another testament of Jesus Christ. We have a prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson. He receives direct revelation from God for our day. This is such great news! If you don't know any of these things for yourself, go find out. Pray about it. Heavenly Father will answer your prayers and let you know it is true through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Moroni 10:4-5). You may face challenges, but don't worry, you'll be fine. God will help you.

I'm going to miss Montana. I'm going to miss ALL of this SO much!