Dear Family,
How are you? I’m a little disheartened with my early time to return home.
But instead of just talking about the negative, what I will miss, or what could have been;
I prefer to focus on the positive, tell you what I have accomplished with my time here. Not only did I enjoy my studying/serving abroad, I learned some important things that would have been impossible to learn in any classroom or other setting. I am sure you know exactly what I’m talking about. Especially, trying to get someone to see how truly important some things are. I would say the biggest hold up for missionary service is that most people can’t, or won’t, put importance on how critical the gospel is to us all. I just wish I could transmit my passion of this gospel and download it into their brains. Then they could join me in my pursuit of becoming a servant for God the Father. I have truly learned how amazing this church is; it is flawless or at least the doctrine is, and we are so greatly blessed to be part of it. I know its all true.
My mission proved to me that I’ll go to the other end of the world and my testimony will still be as strong. I can’t imagine life without it. I know I can receive answers to my prayers always. I have seen it, time and time again when I say to myself, “Hey, that’s what I’ve been praying for!” I have seen the hand of God so many times here and in my life, I could not deny it.
I love what Elder Holland said about the Book of Mormon, he said that no man could have written the book and no good man would unless he were told to by God. The Book of Mormon is so pinnacle to everything. I can say I know how true it is. I believe I have studied it out more than most missionaries. I am so excited for my life to come because I’ll know I will always have time and the blessings needed to serve God and to feed His sheep. I do love Him and I will do whatever is asked of me to prove it.
Today during church I was reflecting and feeling disappointed in myself for the need of my early absence from my mission. I was praying and trying to tell Heavenly Father I am sorry that I could only serve the time I did when I received such a special feeling of love and comfort after that prayer. I couldn’t tell you the last time I was that overcome by the Spirit. The Spirit told me, “don’t you worry, you did just fine, and we still have a lot more work for you to come. We need you to be fully recovered. You still have work to do yet.” and I started to get teary just sitting through church. I was so moved by how much love I felt in that moment. I am no longer worried to come home and get moving because I want to be ready for the next assignment, and be ready to serve the Lord however I can. I love you dad. I’ll email with you tomorrow! See you soon,
Love Elder Vance
