The End

Well, this is my last weekly email as a missionary. I will be flying back to Texas on Wednesday morning. Words cannot express the thoughts and feelings I have had this last week. It has been absolutely wonderful. I have had the opportunity to go and say goodbye to all the members in this area as well as those I have had the opportunity to teach. It is always hard to say goodbye but there is nothing sweeter than to see those people strong in the gospel. 

One of the most special experiences was on Sunday. Brother Bullough from the Sacramento stake came to surprise me. He is someone that Elder Dougherty and I worked with over a year ago. He had not been active in 50 years, and he was an alcoholic. He finally came back to church while we were there working with him. It was one of the most spiritual experiences of my mission, seeing him enter the chapel again. What is even more joyful was seeing him again yesterday. He has been sober for a year now, and he has been going to church every Sunday. He and his wife are planning on being sealed in the temple later this year. It was an emotional day and on top of that, I had the opportunity to bear my testimony in the ward because it was my last Sunday. 

I am forever grateful for the experiences I have had these last 2 years. Nothing else can compare. When I started my mission in March of 2016 I had no idea what lay ahead. Now as I look back and reflect on my mission, it has exceeded my wildest expectations. I love my Heavenly Father. I know he really does live and love us. I love my Savior Jesus Christ, and I am especially grateful for his atonement. I have felt their love and have seen their guidance more than I ever have in these last 2 years. The Church and the gospel of Jesus Christ are true. They have been restored to bless us and bring us happiness and peace, now and forever. That is the greatest message in the world. I am so grateful for the privilege I have had to share that glorious message. Nothing will ever again be the same. Every decision I make for the rest of my life will be affected, because of what I have learned, and the testimony I have grown while on my mission. I look forward to being able to continually share this gospel with all those around me for the rest of my life. Nothing has brought me more joy, peace, happiness, calmness, comfort, love, bliss and hopefulness, than my Savior Jesus Christ and his perfect gospel. I want everyone to be able to feel that in their lives and experience his love. It is real. I love you all and will see you all shortly.

Love,

 

Elder Hallmark