Hola Amigos....
Well...
This is it...
Here I am... everyone says it... and they say it because
it`s true... I never thought this moment would come... Well I mean I
always knew it would, but just not so fast... "It passed away
like as if it were unto [me] a dream. (Jacob 7:26)" An
incredible dream.
A mission is not an easy experience, it is mentally,
physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting. Heavenly Father has truly
shown me my weaknesses, but as I have come unto
Him, He has made weak things become strong unto me. These
18 months have been months of growth and learning, I have learned to…
· · LOVE learning especially the Beautiful Spanish
Language
· · Understand
the pure love of Christ
· · Love
ALL God`s children and understand that I have something to learn from EVERYONE
· · See
God`s Children as HE sees them
· · Work
with, love and sustain Church Leaders despite their human weaknesses
· · Understand
the CRUCIAL importance of Visiting Teaching, and Family Home Teaching
· · Love,
admire, and appreciate my family, especially my parents
· · Seek
out the sunlight amidst the storms
· · Accept
rejection with a smile
· · Overcome
the natural man
· · Focus
on what truly matters most
· · Stand
up for what I know to be true
· · Work
as a team
· · Have
an eternal perspective in the face of trial
· · Humbly
accept counsel from others
· · Examine
and LOVE the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon
· · Appreciate
the unique message of the Restored Gospel
· · Understand
the blessings of obedience and the consequences of sin
· · Accept
the timing and will of Heavenly Father
· · Depend
on and trust in the power of Prayer
· · Develop
a love and testimony for Sabbath Day observance
· · Understand
and cherish the doctrine of Christ
· Understand the workings of the Spirit
· · Teach
the gospel clearly and effectively
· · Understand
and apply the atonement of Christ
· Depend on my Heavenly Father
I
have so many emotions right now... So many different thoughts and feelings
coming through my mind... but the sum of it all is JOY and LOVE.
I
feel as Ammon…”My joy is full, yea my heart is brim with joy and I will
rejoice in my God.” I have come to learn what pure
happiness is, what joy is- happiness that comes as a result of
seeing others happy, vicarious happiness. True joy is seeing my brothers and
sisters receive this beautiful gospel, experience the peace and joy that I too
have experienced from the restored gospel in my life. There aren`t words to
express the joy one feels as you experience one of God`s children kneel down to
pray for the first time ever, or the joy of watching them enter the doors of
the church for the first time, or as they enter the waters of Baptism and come out
pure, clean as new disciples of Jesus Christ.
I
also have come to understand what real LOVE is. Unconditional Love, love that
"is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, that seeketh
not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in
iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things,
hopeth all things and endureth all things."
I
have felt the love of my Heavenly Father and felt of the Love he has for His
Children and he has helped me too to LOVE His children with all my heart. I
love these Argentine people with my whole heart. I will forever hold these
people in my heart. This truly is a LABOR Of LOVE.
I absolutely
love this beautiful gospel and truly know that it is true. I have no doubt that
this IS truly the only true church. This IS the
Church of Jesus Christ; He leads and Guides His church today through a living
prophet and 12 apostles. I know that Thomas S. Monson is a Prophet of God that
as we value and apply the guidance of God`s servants on the earth we will be
led safely home. I know that Joseph Smith is the prophet of the Restoration. I
know He saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, that he was made an instrument in God`s hands to restore the fullness of the gospel. I know that
the scriptures are the word of God. I know that as we study and feast on them
daily we will have guidance and protection in a world of so much confusion. I
know the Book of Mormon is true, I know that it contains the fullness of the
Gospel. As I read that sacred book I feel my Saviors love. I know that Families
can be together forever through Heavenly Father`s plan. I know that the
ordinances of the temple are sacred and necessary for our salvation. As we go
to the temple frequently we achieve an understanding and a peace that guides us
through the difficulties of life. I know that every single commandment that we
have received is an invitation to receive blessings, counsel from a loving
father; I know that obedience to these commandments is the only way to true
happiness. I know with all my heart that the only way to achieve happiness is
through obedience to the principles and ordinances of the Gospel, of that I am
completely certain. I know that missionary work is the work of the Lord, it is
His work and He leads and guides it. I know that the power of Prayer is real.
He hears and answers our prayers. I know that God lives, that He loves us, that
He watches over us and has a perfect plan. He knows exactly what we need and
when we need it. I know that Heavenly Father loves ALL his children; so much that
He sent His son, our Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ to pay the price of sin
so that someday through His grace and mercy we might return to His presence
again. I know that Christ atoned for my sins; I know that HE is the great
mediator, my Savior, my Redeemer, my Friend. Of these truths I testify, in the
sacred name of Jesus Christ amen.
Con Amor, Hermana Matheson
Con Amor, Hermana Matheson
Distrito San Raw Bano Centro Reunited in Consejo de Liderazgo.
Hermana Zaugg
The Soriano Fam with our investigators
Ely and Mario Castillo
Marisa & Alejandro Sosa
The last lesson with the Rivera Fam. They've come so far!
My FAVORITE bishopric of my entire mission. Obispo Rojas, Hermano Gatica, and Hermano Lucero
Norma. This lady is such a trooper. After an unexpected change in baptism date, she was finally baptized on February 19th, 2016 :)
Mario AND Norma. After almost 6 months. She finally accompanied Mario to church. I gave her my blue dress and she LOVES it.
Hermana Gatica
Graciella. I respect her so much.
Zoe :) I'll miss this girl so much.
My bud Nestor.
The Rodriguez Family. This little kid always cracked me up. He always looked so out of it.
The last lunch, with the Ferrara family :)
My Argentine Parents
The whole Ferrara gang
Hermana Estrella. She ran up at the last second to give me this as a gift.
Hermana Margarita Godoy and Iris tapia. So sweet of them to come see me off.
There were 7 of us that ended in San Luis
Saying Goodbye
My cute MTC comp, Hermana Ellgen
Hermana Gonzales
Some wicked tan lines.
The Streadbecks
The last dinner
The Masoners
Matching T-Shirts
Two of the greatest people on this planet
The Aggies are comin back.
2 missions and 26 months later. We're back :)
My best buds. Maisie Hobbs and Kaycee Fowers. After all three serving (Merida Mexico, Richmond Virginia and Mendoza Argentina) we're reunited :)
Update: Norma was baptized February 20th. She called me to tell me about her baptism! She's so sweet. She updates me on what's going on. She is visiting teaching companions with Estrella Ferrara and is loving it!