H E L L O 🌻
I'm taking my companion to the Museum of Natural History
today. I'm. STOKED. 😂
On March 12th, 2016 (1 YEAR FROM YESTERDAY) I got a text
from mom saying that my mission call was sitting on my bed waiting for me. 1
year ago, I was called to serve in the New York New York North Mission with
President and Sister Smith. HOW GRATEFUL I AM FOR THIS WONDERFUL CALLING. I've
reflected on the past year a lot this weekend and as much as Satan tells me
otherwise, I've accomplished a lot. And I've CHANGED. Man, oh man, have I
changed. And I'm so grateful for those changes that my Heavenly Father and
Savior have helped me make. In 1 year, I finished my first year of college, I
went through the temple, I met new friends (a lot of them are here serving with
me and one is my COMPANION), I turned 19 years old. I struggled-- leaving home
for 18 months is no easy task. And, I was still questioning whether or not I
really wanted to go on a mission. But! Now I'm here in New York City and I
couldn't think of a happier place. In the last (almost) 9 months, I've come to
know my Savior. I've gained a real testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, I
KNOW the Book of Mormon is true. I've learned how to plan for my day and make
the best use of my time. I've learned how to study the scriptures. I've learned
how to communicate with others. I've learned how to repent and WHY we need to
repent DAILY. I've learned that I can overcome anything because I have the
Savior and Redeemer of the world by my side. I've seen INCREDIBLE miracles.
I've met people that have changed my life. I've seen myself develop a deeper
passion for playing the piano and a greater love for the sacred hymns. I've
missed my sweet little brothers A WHOLE LOT. I've seen my family change and
grow. I've seen our family relationships be strengthened through the gospel of
Jesus Christ. I KNOW that Thomas S. Monson is a prophet of God with restored
priesthood power. I've had sacred experiences that I couldn't have had any
other place or any other time. I've overcome weakness, found new ones,
developed new skills and new strengths. I've made spiritual goals that will
help me create a gospel centered home. I now know of the importance of WEEKLY
church attendance. I've seen the sacrament become personal to ME. I've become
more and more grateful for mom teaching me the importance of modesty. I love
life more. I smile more. I'm happier. I have found REAL joy in the gospel of
Jesus Christ. I couldn't have learned any of these things if I wasn't here in
the New York New York North Mission. I'm grateful that Mom and Dad had so much
patience with me and helped me get here.
I love you all so much and I'm ALWAYS praying for you. 🗽🌃🌉🍎🚕
Gordon B. Hinckley:
"I was touched … by the heartbreaking statement of a
young missionary. He said, “I have been here for months. I can’t learn the
language. I dislike the people. I am depressed by day and weep at night. I
wanted to die. I wrote my mother and pleaded for an excuse to return home. I
have her reply. She says: ‘We’re praying for you. There is not a day passes
that all of us do not kneel together in the morning before we eat and in the
evening before we retire and plead with the Lord for his blessing upon you. We
have added fasting to our prayer, and when your younger brothers and sisters
pray they say, “Heavenly Father, bless Johnny … and help him to learn the
language and do the work he was called to do.”
This young man then went on to say through his tears, “I
will try again. I will add my prayers to theirs and my fasting to their
fasting.”
Now, four months later, I have a letter from him in which he
says, “A miracle has happened. The language has come to me as a gift from the
Lord. I have learned to love the people in this beautiful land. God be thanked
for the prayers of my family.”
Be bold. Be courageous. Be honest. Be truthful.
Love always,
Sister Bain 🍍
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