This has been one of the most emotional weeks of my life, I think the mission makes you more dramatic lol but with everything I'm feeling, the most prominent feeling is one of gratitude. I love this place and I love these people - serving a mission was something that I needed to do to grow and become a better version of myself.
I was sitting with Sherrie and Matt yesterday, Matt had just told us his conversion story and was looking at me and crying, and Sherrie asked my why I came on a mission. I almost couldn't speak - I gave her the answer I always give but this time I really felt it in my heart and how special this has been for me. I told her that I came on a mission because I had seen the Gospel bless my family, I had seen how it has made us happier and closer. Matt always says that you need to go on a mission because of Jesus Christ and that's true, but I think I came to learn that while I was out, the true love that the Savior has for you and others and when you're helping and loving those around you, He lets you feel a little bit of that love that He has for them, and it hurts to let go.
I'm so grateful for the things that I've learned and felt, for the spirit that comforts us and heals us and helps us know that we're God's family and that we're all going through crap together, we're here to help each other out. Thanks for all of your love and prayers, couldn't have done it without you.
More love than I can express,
Hanatea