Hasta Ver!

Well, this is it, folks! 

I'll end with the biggest learning ( I think, that's actually really hard to decide on) from these last 18 months:

It's not about you.

the end.

Life just isn't about us! Literally, all we can do if we want to be happy is strive to be the best servant to the Lord that we possibly can be, and that comes by selfless service. All. of. the. time. I've had the privilege of being able to serve for 18 months in a manner slightly more obvious than others, but I know all of you have had those same selflessly serving moments in your own spheres of influence. I've thought about what things might be scary in coming home, but I realized the other day that none of those things are actually scary if I'm focusing on other people instead of on myself. Is it scary to go make friends? yes, if I'm focused on me. But If I just want to be a blessing? Not scary at all. it's like a magic potion to expel all fear and enmity. 

I LOVE the scriptures in the New Testament, where Christ says that if we are to be great leaders, we have to be the greatest servants, and that we are His Friends if we know him and follow what he does, and that "greater love hath no man than this, that he lay down his life for them." I love my Savior, and am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve and represent Him. 

I'm actually very peaceful about the transition into this next part of my life. I've had some really sweet experiences recently that have helped me really feel of God's love and appreciation, and have helped me see that this is all just preparation to keep being a servant in new areas of building the kingdom.

I love you all!!! 

--

Hermana Reynolds

New Mission President!

Well, it feels like about a month's worth of happenings happened since last PDay... but I'll share just a few things.

President Maluenda left on Tuesday Morning, and President Torres jumped right into the thick of things and had an interview with every single missionary before the end of the week. It's incredible to see how the Lord has prepared and selected His servants so very carefully - President Torres is EXACTLY what the TMM needs right now. He's 37 and is one of the hardest workers ever. He has an incredible vision, and the vision of the missionaries has already grown a lot. It's pretty exciting to watch! 

Both Sister and President Torres come from Honduras and are learning English. Evidently when they received their mission call it said that they would be called to a mission that spoke "hispana" (I think that's kind of a generic term for 'a spanish language? not really sure) and so when they got called to Texas they were pretty surprised. I don't think I understood until now that this is the ONLY mission in the USA that is a "Spanish Speaking mission only" and nobody is called to speak other languages here. Pretty cool. 

Anyway, things are still pretty magical working with the YSA and with the new mission president. Only good things to report :) 

On a spiritual note, I've been thinking a lot about repentance lately. It's been pretty easy, as it's the end of this beautiful adventure, to feel like I haven't done enough, or that any lack of success has been because I'm just not quite good enough and that it's just too late. However, I've realized that that's exactly what repentance is for. No, I am not perfect. Get over it. ha ha. I've definitely made a lot of mistakes, and I haven't been the "perfect missionary," but I've learned and grown a ton and I've been pretty dang obedient and I have helped lots of people, so in the end it's okay. And the good news is is that with every day I can repent and keep learning and the Atonement covers anything that isn't perfect. So, it's okay that it's the end and that I'm still  not perfect. If I was I'd get translated and you wouldn't see me next week, and I'm pretty sure that'd be at least a little bit of a disappointment. ;) But for reals, repentance. it's amazing. I'm still figuring it out. 

Well, much love!

Hasta next week

--

Hermana Reynolds