Izabele's Mission Washington D.C. South

Hi Izzy!! ONE MORE WEEK and then three days! I can't wait to hug you! But I need to tell you how proud I am of you. Izzy you have always had a deeply caring soul. You have always been 100% in on whatever you put your mind to. Whether that be school work, friends and social life, caring about others, Samoa, cheer, and now your mission and the Lord. You have blessed our lives immensely this past 18 months as you have chosen to leave your home and go be selfless among the people of Virginia. The Lord loves you so much. I know he appreciates so much your happy willing loving demeanor. I know he wants to give you a big hug and thank you for the positive energetic way you have given everything you are and have to your mission. To bring his children back to him. To show them the light of Christ and to celebrate everyone's individuality and gifts. You appreciate every little thing he has put on this Earth in a wondrous and beautiful way. The way he intended all of us to see it, y...

"And it came to pass that I, [sister smith], began to be old; ... wherefore, I conclude this [service], declaring that I have [served] according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us, and also our lives passed away like as it were unto us a dream..."  (Jacob 7:26) I have no regrets. Not because I served a perfect mission, but rather because I have learned to turn to my Savior and repent for the times I haven't been so perfect. I am grateful for where I am today, for the person I have become. I cannot imaginie a life where I did not choose to serve the Lord. But "I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles have [been] wrought in this land, for which [I] will praise his name forever." (Alma 26:12) "I cannot say the smallest part which I feel." (Alma 26:16) However, I will say the most important lesson I have been taught, over t...

"If you want some quality time with Sister Smith, i suggest today is the day to do it."  --the sweet bishopric member over the pulpit this Sunday after he received word I'm going home soon..  One of my very good friends, James Calderon, was baptized this weekend. :) Never have I, in all my 18 months, met anyone that understands the doctrine better or is more converted to the true gospel of Jesus Christ than James. The spirit of God truly was poured over the hearts of all in attendance at his baptismal service. Angels were with us yesterday, and they rejoiced with us. No doubt. James spoke in Sacrament meeting immediately following his baptism. He looked at home on the stand. :') Love that guy.  "I say unto you, there never were [missionaries] that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began" (Alma 26:35)  Two sisters in our zone came to our area for exchanges and we did a light the world booth on campus. Wow, it was successful. I...

Before coming on a mission.. you don't know how much you're gonna love it. You can only dream of what the experience would look and feel like. Then you arrive and your heart begins to grow. It expands for a climate and a people unlike ever before. You would find yourself taking a deep breath, taking in a moment contrasting anything you would have experienced prior. Moments, for example, of hearing your eternal siblings clap and shout for joy as they learn their families can be together forever. Or, watching their eyes fill with tears as they explain the peace they feel is what they have spent a lifetime looking for.  Everyday for 18 months your loving Father in Heaven lets you be a part of  these experiences. Sacred experiences. The most merciful, loving God allows you to be a part of His army in the latter part of the latter days. And it will ultimately change you. Change you forever.       I am overwhelmed with a thankful heart for the change that has ...