"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." As Paul exclaims here how he has endured well throughout his ministry.. I now know how he felt as I am now having those feelings of excitement and fulfillment.
These last 2 years there have been a lot of opportunities for me to really have my "faith and patience tried..." as it talks about in Mosiah 23:21-22. I have seen that scripture be manifested in my daily life, and can safely say that my level of patience has gone from Here to Here. (Just imagine a big gap between my arms.)
Another thing that I feel I have improved on is my ability to teach and speak. Especially on-the-spot kind of things. It just made me realize the importance of obtaining knowledge, so that when times like that pop up, the spirit will have something to draw from our well of knowledge, instead of coming up dry. That will definitely be something that I will continue to improve throughout my life, but I really feel like I have gotten a big head start in that because of my mission.
From the MTC to the airplane ride coming to the Philippines, to the different companions to the very... unique, apartments. The journey of becoming a leader for over half my mission; and to learning from and teaching to all those around me. From the homesickness and physical sickness to insanely hot days to the days where the rain was pouring so hard we couldn't even work. To the funky foods I ate and all the great and amazing people that I met. To all the baptisms I was blessed to be a part of and the rescuing of those lost souls. I have seen so many miracles in my mission and have been blessed to serve here in such a wonderful country - The Philippines.
Looking back on these last 2 years, it feels almost like a dream. There has been SO MUCH that has happened, yet it doesn't even feel like it all happened. I remember it all as if it were a dream. That is why I have really learned and come to understand the importance of keeping a journal. Without my journal I would probably have forgotten almost 1/2 my mission and those experiences, in detail. Thank GOODNESS I was diligent in keeping an updated journal!
As my mission now comes to a close, I can look forward with confidence, and look back with happiness and a feeling of peace and fulfillment, that the Lord is in charge, and as long as He is first in my life, all other things will fall in place. I know He loves us! This is His work. He guides each and every one of us by the Holy Ghost. I know that this Church is true. I know that the Book of Mormon is the truest book on earth and that through the power of the spirit, Joseph Smith translated it. I know that out of pure love, Jesus Christ gave His life for the salvation of Mankind. I love this Church, and I love LIFE!!!
I love my family! I am SUPER excited to see them again in 3 days.
Love you all!!
Stay True!!!!
Elder Walstad
Thanks...
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