Last Blog/Testimony from Bolivia-Homeward Bound

Family And Hermanas at the Bolivian LDS Temple.

Well, this is the last time I will really be writing home. Next Monday, I leave Bolivia, and next Tuesday, I will be home. It is bitter sweet. I am really excited to see my family and friends, but sad to leave behind all the people I love here in Bolivia. I know I will come home to you guys, but I don`t know when I will come back to Bolivia.

I wanted to write my testimony out for everyone today. Through this time in the mission, I have learned so much about the church, about myself, and about my Savior Jesus Christ. I have become more familiar with the scriptures, and found strength and comfort

   

in them. I have learned to really, sincerely pray and speak with my Father in heaven.

I know that this is the true church of Jesus Christ on the Earth. I know that we have a living prophet in these latter days, who guides us, under the direction of Jesus Christ himself. I know that families can be together forever, and that temples are literally the house of the Lord. I don`t only believe these things, but I know them, with my entire heart.

I am leaving a lot behind here. I am probably coming home to a lot of changes, and with a lot of changes. But I know that God has a plan for me. This was a refining process. I am so grateful that I served a mission. I can`t imagine my life without it.

I hope everyone has a great week. I will see you soon.

..."and he had faith no longer, for he knew, nothing doubting." Ether 3:19

Some people are really starting to progress here in Cala Cala! First, our ward mission leader`s friend, J, is really progressing! He has been reading the Book of Mormon, and has a lot of desires to be baptized. He wasn`t able to go to church this Sunday, because someone in his family was in an accident Saturday night. But, on Saturday in the afternoon there was a ward activity, and he danced with the other YSA in a traditional Bolivian dance.

President and Hermana Hansen!

Then, the family we found a few weeks ago, C and N, went  to church together for the first time yesterday! We starting teaching them, and they were really excited, but then they were having some problems, and we lost contact with them for a few weeks. But, we found them again, and they are still really excited about the church and getting baptized. We are going to go to the temple with them this week to be in the gardens, and talk about eternal families. 

Also, this week we went to the temple, and then had a zone conference. it was really great! I love going to the temple. Even if we have to be there at 6 in the morning. And in the conference, all of the missionaries going home in the next 3 months gave their last testimonies. And, of course, I went last, because my last name starts with W. And the spirit was already pretty strong from all the other testimonies given. So, you know... I cried. Not a big deal.

I really cannot believe I have so little time left! Next Monday will be the last time I write home! I am so grateful for this experience of being a missionary. I have learned so much about myself, about the church, about the world, and most importantly, about my Savior, Jesus Christ.

I hope everyone has a great week!

North American Food

Calzones!

This week Hermana Giles and I made the best decision of our missionary careers... We changed pensionistas! (the sister that gives us lunch and dinner) And our new pensionista is PERFECT! It is right in front of our house, the sister is super nice, and... she cooks AMERICAN FOOD!!! She lived with a North American couple for a few years and cooked for them, and learned how to cook every thing they liked. This week we ate roast beef and mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and pie!!!! We are seriously in heaven.

Also, this week a young man came to church by himself, and told us he wants to get baptized!!! We were like... Okay!!!! Haha. He said he just moved to our area this week, but where he used to live he knew the elders and went to church. He knew a lot about the church, and is ready to get baptized. So we have an appointment with him this week to visit and get to know him better. But what a miracle!

This week we are going to temple, and we have a Zone Conference. And it will be the last time I go to the temple here in Bolivia. The last time in my mission! So I will have to take advantage and pray for my future husband this week. ;)

I hope everyone has a great week!

Exchanges.

Hmn Hullinger and Hmn Wingate.

The three of four Hermanas from beginning to end of their mission.