"Your mission is a gift that keeps on giving." - President Huntsman

Well hey there!!

I had the blessed opportunity to attend the temple for Isaac's first temple trip! He just got baptized in July. He is the one from Ghana. He rocks. He was baptized for his father. It was so touching. I know that the temples are really houses of the Lord. Sacred work is done inside to help our ancestors and others receive ordinances of the gospel and progress on their path back to our Heavenly Father. What a beautiful plan He has for His children.

I had my departing interview on Friday with President. Man that was bittersweet! I'm going to miss President Huntsman's wise words. I have learned so much from him. We talked about the mission and what I have learned. He asked me what my mom and dad will see differently in me. Haha and I just sat there and was like "uhh.... probably that I've matured?" (Haha I just thought back to our last skype call) his reply, "well I sure hope so, it's been 18 months!" Hahah. Halfway through the interview, President says, "Soo... tell me about dating?!" HA I was like uh this is weird, all I've talked about with my mission President this last year and a half is missionary work and then wabam! Dating! So funny. He then told me some more really awesome pieces of advice. He helped me and reassured me once more about my service to the Lord. I really loved when he said, "your mission is a gift that will keep on giving." The lessons I've learned on my mission are priceless and will help me throughout the rest of my life. What a nice quoter! I love President and Sister Huntsman so much!! They have helped me learn and grow in ways I can't explain. I look forward to theirhomecoming next June! Can't wait! :)

It's hard to describe how I feel right about now. I've felt so many mixed emotions the last several weeks that I kind of just feel numb now. Weird huh? I'm sure all those feelings will come back when I'm on the plane. Haha.

Being able to serve the Lord as His full time missionary for the last 18 months (about 18 months. Ha) has been one ginormous adventure. I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for this life changing opportunity. Heavenly Father has taught me what's truly important and how we can be truly happy in our lives. True happiness doesn't come from worldly things; no, it comes from the source of all light, truth and joy, our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. He has blessed us with the gospel. As we live the gospel, our lives will be filled with light, with the Spirit, and we will be filled with immense joy. Joy that lasts through all time and eternity. I know that doing the little things matters! Like studying the scriptures daily, praying often throughout the day, attending church and partaking of the sacrament... the little things truly turn out to be the big things. Each of them strengthens us to be able to face our daily trials and this crazy world. Don't believe me? Try it. 

But most of all, I have gained a stronger testimony of the Savior and His Atonement. We mess up all the time. I mess up all the time. I struggle and have trials, as does everyone. However, I know that because Jesus Christ suffered for me and paid for my sins, that if I repent and turn towards Him, I can be forgiven. My burdens will be lifted. And the sweet feeling of the spirit can fill my heart once more. The gospel is true. Jesus Christ lives. Heavenly Father lives. We are His children. There is no greater joy and satisfaction I have felt than that of serving His children and sharing the gospel with the sweet people of Virginia. I have loved being a full time missionary. The beautiful thing is that I never have to stop being a missionary! Every member a missionary right? :) I invite each of you to share your testimony with someone today. You never know how God plans on using you to help one of His children. Just trust in Him and follow the spirit. Pray for that opportunity.

**throwback to about a year ago**"God is good." - me
"That's like the motto of your mission!" -Sister Bennett

...Yes it sure is!! God is SO incredibly good. He is amazing. I love Him and know without a doubt He loves us. Jesus is the Christ and He is God's Son. He has once again restored His gospel and church to the earth through the prophet Joseph Smith. He has a prophet on the earth today, I know President Monson is His prophet. The Book of Mormon isn't a book "about the Mormons," it's truly another testament of Jesus Christ. It is true. Everything about this work and gospel is true. It's all true. I say all this in the name our Savior Jesus Christ, Amen.

One, two, skip to my Lou, I'll see y'all soon! ;) (Rhyming fail ahah)

Xoxoxo

Love with my whole heart and soul,

Sister Sydney Hymas :)