Well, I've started to tell people how long I've been out on
my mission instead of just the "about a year" answer (I did that so I
wouldn't have to explain to every person I meet my plans for after my mission
haha) but I'm over 18 months now and my ministerial certificate has expired so
I've started to really realize how soon my mission will be over. It's
definitely been an interesting experience for me and I've learned soo many
things, but most importantly, I feel like by this choice to serve, many other people
were able to learn about Jesus CHrist, come closer to Him, and change their
lives for the better. Not every single person I talked to was baptized, or even
wanted to meet with missionaries, but I did my best to "invite others to
come unto Christ" in any way I could. And I've been able to feel the Holy
Ghost apart of this work, guiding, comforting, healing, cleansing, etc and I'm
so grateful that God has given me this opportunity to grow personally and to
serve others in countless ways.
This past week has been full of the visitors' center and
online. I had many experiences (as usual) with people wanting to Bible Bash or
argue about different doctrines and teachings and history. I know I can't
explain or answer every question people have, but everyone's concerns or
questions are soo all over the place, that it really is so true that with just
the Bible, there is no way to have the answers to all the questions people
throw at us. Honestly if it wasn't for the Book of Mormon and modern revelation,
there is no way for us to know clearly all the truths of the gospel or the
answers to some of life's biggest questions. So I've been more appreciative of
the gospel in that way. God really has shown a great amount of love for
continuing to try to give His children the gospel!
I know that God loves us and wants the best for us, every if
we can't recognize it ourselves, that Jesus Christ is our Savior, that his
priesthood authority and power is on the earth today, and that when we are
obedient to the commandments our lives are blessed soooo much!! These are
things I've come to know more. Oh and also that the Book of Mormon does draw me
closer to Jesus Christ. When we make time to study the word of God, we will
know what we need to do!
I'm going to be home so soon, but I know that life will
continue to get better and if we put our trust in Jesus Christ, everything will
be okay!
LOVE YOU!!
Sister Nielsen