Is this even real?!
My last week in Melbourne, the place that has become my home.
My heart is soo full. There is no way for me to even express how much I have learned and grown the past 18 months. I am just grateful that Heavenly Fathers can understand the feelings of my heart, because there are no words to adequately express how I feel and how grateful I really am.
It is hard to believe that it is all over.
The past 18 months I have learned more than probably in the 20 years of my life. I have learned so much about the gospel, about myself, and most importantly, about my Saviour Jesus Christ.
I have been pushed further than I thought was possible and I have accomplished things that I never thought I could. I have been happier than ever before, and have also been more sad than I care to admit.
BUT I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am grateful for it all.
I pray to remember everyone I have met, all that I have learned and everything I have experienced. I pray to remember the good days, the bad days and everything in between. I pray to remember all the feelings and emotions. The feelings of happiness, love, loneliness, exhaustion, and pure joy. I pray to remember the days when I knew that this is exactly where I needed to be.
I pray to remember the times when I saw God's hand in my life and knew He was there. When He answered my prayers and sent me exactly what I needed and honestly, more than I deserve.
I pray to remember everyone I have met and come to know here in Melbourne, because they have all helped in so many ways. I pray to remember their love, their stories and their incredible testimonies.
I pray to remember the times where I was able to witness and see first hand that this gospel changes lives. The times when I got to see someone coming to Christ and the happiness they felt. I pray to remember the people that I knew I needed to meet. The friendships that showed me that God does knows us all individually and is involved in the details of our lives.
Most importantly, I pray to always remember HOW I was able to do this. Why I was able to have this experience that allowed me to see more, be happier and change so much. This is because of my Saviour Jesus Christ. I pray that I will always remember what He has done for me. I pray to remember the times when I felt Him with me, helping me and holding me. I pray to remember Him, His love, and His life.
I pray to REMEMBER.
I want to thank all of you who have supported me along this journey.
It hasn't been easy, but it has definitely been worth it.
I am forever grateful and I wouldn't change a thing.
I can't wait to see you all. I love you heaps.
See you soon.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
xoxo,
张姐妹
Sister Johnson
Can't leave Melbourne without
one more jumping picture!
Sister Johnson with her final district
TRIPLE THREAT
Sister Cahoon, Sister Johnson and Sister Fong.
The best of friends <3
first of all, that jumping picture is amazing. Wow Alyssa, you have really got the moves!!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, no, i can't believe this is your last letter from Melbourne, that you are coming home soon, and that we will all get to see you at the reunion in June!!!!
LOVED your letter...I think it's so great that you have written down the things that you want to remember. I know from talking to other returned missionaries, that the memories stay with you forever, but after a few days home...your mission suddenly seems like a dream. It's weird at first, but it doesn't take long to get back into 'normal' life and then it's hard to believe that you were ever gone for so long. Your blog will certainly help you to remember all the times on your mission, and the many lessons learned.
And your final comment is SOO true:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
You have certainly done that. and what a great description of a mission, "a good fight". So perfect. It really is quite the accomplishment Alyssa...to hang in there for the whole mission. You could have had many reasons to come home...I would imagine that lonely times on a mission would make the absence of Alexis and Amanda very overwhelming. But you hung in there...your sisters were pulling for you every step of the way and are so proud of you. You have joined them as missionaries for our Savior...talk about a 'triple threat'. :)
Have a great last week and remember that everything will just keep getting better in your life! After a mission, there are still so many more opportunities to serve, accomplish goals and have FUN. You have started out the rest of your life in a magnificent way.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant"
Love you.
first of all, that jumping picture is amazing. Wow Alyssa, you have really got the moves!!!
ReplyDeleteSecondly, no, i can't believe this is your last letter from Melbourne, that you are coming home soon, and that we will all get to see you at the reunion in June!!!!
LOVED your letter...I think it's so great that you have written down the things that you want to remember. I know from talking to other returned missionaries, that the memories stay with you forever, but after a few days home...your mission suddenly seems like a dream. It's weird at first, but it doesn't take long to get back into 'normal' life and then it's hard to believe that you were ever gone for so long. Your blog will certainly help you to remember all the times on your mission, and the many lessons learned.
And your final comment is SOO true:
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"
You have certainly done that. and what a great description of a mission, "a good fight". So perfect. It really is quite the accomplishment Alyssa...to hang in there for the whole mission. You could have had many reasons to come home...I would imagine that lonely times on a mission would make the absence of Alexis and Amanda very overwhelming. But you hung in there...your sisters were pulling for you every step of the way and are so proud of you. You have joined them as missionaries for our Savior...talk about a 'triple threat'. :)
Have a great last week and remember that everything will just keep getting better in your life! After a mission, there are still so many more opportunities to serve, accomplish goals and have FUN. You have started out the rest of your life in a magnificent way.
"Well done, thou good and faithful servant"
Love you.