Monday, May 23, 2016

10 things.

I dont believe this day has come. I think every missionary imagines the day when they will come home. Watching so many of my mission friends go home, I never thought it would be my turn.

But, here I am, my last p-day and my last email. 

I was thinking of what I could share. And I just want to share with you guys real quick, a few of the things I have learned in these 18 months. I am sure I could go on forever (you guys know how much I love to talk) But i will spare the long email, and just share 10 things I have learned. 

1. A good leader goes a long way. 
Throughout my mission I have had the plesure to work with some AMAZING leaders. My mission president, his assistants, my Zone Leaders, my District Leaders, My Sister Training Leaders. Bishops, Ward Mission Leaders, Stake Presidents.. ect. I have seen the difference a good leader makes. A leader who worries about the people they serve, a leader who loves the people they serve, a leader who is humble, a leader who loves the Lord and wants to do his will. A leader who listens and does what he says. I am thankful for my leaders who taught me how to be a better leader, I am thankful for their examples and love they have showed me. I know good leaders in the church is what helps the church grow. We need leaders who people want to follow and who people trust. 

2. Little acts of service go a long way.
My whole life I have heard this. Just a smile can makes someones day. Helping someone carry their bags to their car. Listening when someone needs a friend, or giving a hug. I have seen this in action. I have seen some of the hardest hearts be soften by service. Our Savior Jesus Christ was a perfect example of service. He seriously served EVERYONE. While on my mission I wanted to serve. I LOOKED for chances to serve, whatever I could do. And there are chances everyday we can serve. By serving others I feel closer to my savior, and I know that i am helping other people feel the love he has for them. When we listen to the Holy Ghost he will tell us how we can serve and be the answer to someones prayer. 

3. I can do hard things, and I can do them with joy.
The other day was one of those days where NOTHING was going right, my comp and I were going from house to house and no one was home or letting us in. Then it started to rain. We looked at eachtoher and just started to laugh. I said, of course it would rain right now. And we laughed and laughed and laughed and kept working. I am so thankful that even when a day doesnt go right, we can FIND a reason to be happy. Things arent going to be easy, things that are worth it arent easy, but when we can do hard things with joy, we learn and it makes the hard things easier. 

4. Miracles are real, and we make them happen with our faith. 
I learned that if I want to make a miracle happen I need to do something. Miracles are real and WE make them happy with our faith. When we do everything we can and use our faith, the Lorn will bless us with the miracle we are waiting for. We cant lose faith. 

5. You can relly get to know someone, and love someone in 6 weeks.
I love my companions. Every single one. I was able to learn so much about each one of them, and grow to love them with a real love, in just 6 weeks. We dont need TIME to love someone, we just need the desire and an open heart. 

6. When we study, and are worthy, the Holy Ghost really will help us know what to say. 
There were so many times when I would study something in the morning and then get in the house the of person we were teaching and what I studied was what they needed to hear. There were times when I didnt feel ready to say something in portuguese and then it just came out and the person understood what I said. I learned on the mission, that I am not the teacher, that I am the tool of the teacher. The Holy Ghost is the teacher, and I need to be worthy to be his tool. 

7. We need to study the scriptures EVERYDAY. 
The scriptures are SO cool. I love reading them. I love having the chance to study everyday for 2 hours non stop. I have learned so much and really see how they help us in our day to day life. I love reading and seeing how the stories apply to me. How the lessons apply to me. While reading I recieve answers to my prayers. 

8. We need to follow the counsel of our prophets. 
PEOPLE WE HAVE A PROPHET WHO SPEAKS WITH GOD. We need to listen and study what he teaches us. He is telling us exactly what our father in heaven wants us to know. I have such a strong love for our living prophet Thomas S. Monson. I know he is a real prophet of God. and he helps us. 

9. I am so blessed to have so many temples near me, and I need to go to them often. 
There isnt a temple in my mission. I have seen people travel 5-8 hours just to visit the temple for one day. Before the closest temple was built people traveled 5 days and nights without stoping to get to the nearest temple. I look at these examples and feel horrible that I didnt go to the temple as often as I could when it is 10 min from my house. WE NEED TO VISIT THE TEMPLE. As often as possible. I am so thankful to have so many temples near me, and will make the time to visit.

10. Going on a mission didnt change me, the gospel of Jesus Christ changed me. 
I thought going on a mission would change me. I would be serving people 24/7 and in a bubble of spirit. It is true, serving a mission changes people. I feel that it was the gospel of Jesus Christ that changed me. It was the study and the practice, it was the faith building experiences it was sharing my testimony and helping others understand how this gospel is so amazing. I learned the gospel simple, i studied it deeply. I am thankful I let the gospel change me to be a better person. 

I am sad to leave, but happy to see my family. I am eternaly greatful for the people I have meet and the people who have changed my life. I am thankful for each one of your support. The emails and letters of encouragement. Thank you for your love and prayers.

I am thankful for my amazing family, my parents who have supported me through it all, for their amazing examples and love for me. I am thankful for my brothers and their love and support and example.

I love you all. I know this church is the only true church on the face of the eatch. I know the book of mormon is real and helps us have a better life.

Thank you. 

I will see you on friday.

With all my love,
Sister Hernandez


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