Goodbye and Hello

This still doesn't feel real.  I can't even comprehend the fact that I'll be home this week.  I think the Lord is really just blessing me being able to stay so focused these last few days.  I'm enjoying every last minute.  I don't even really know what to say.  I've felt so many emotions about the idea of coming home. I'm excited, scared and devastated to be leaving all at the same time.  It's hard to let go of this chapter of my life but the Lord has prepared me the past 18 months for the next chapter that I am about to take on.  I feel like my time spent here has been the training ground for the rest of my life.  I'm so grateful for the things I've learned here and the things that I will be able to apply  after the mission.

Reflecting back on the past 18 months I remember the joy I feel as I meet someone on the street and love them after only 10 seconds of talking to them, and the joy I feel as I see my companion overcome challenges and gain confidence after many long days of being discouraged. along with many other things that brought me so much joy.  I think that is truly why missionaries love their mission so much.  It's the littlest things that happen each day that brings so much happiness and although I'm dreading all the hard goodbyes that are to come, it will all be worth it when they're replaced with many hellos, one of them being to you. 

I can't say it enough, but I am so grateful for the time I've had to be here serving the Lord.  These have been the most rewarding months of my life.  Although I've been miles away from you and the rest of my family and friends that I love dearly, I've felt more support and love than ever before this past year and a half.  I've received so much strength from all the prayers offered in my behalf and more than anything, I've felt continued guidance from the Lord.  What I thought would be my biggest sacrifice has turned out to be by far, my greatest blessing.