Well! This week has hit me like a freight train. Typing this sentence has literally taken me several tries because I have no idea where to start.
I love these people. Truly I have never gained such a gift in my life such as this. It is the gift of charity, and it has made this experience here in Crownpoint the most rewarding experience in my life thus far. It has also made this news one of the most heartbreaking things to deal with. The thing that makes it so hard is the fact that my entire existence for the next two years is dedicated to helping these people receive the one thing that will do more good for them than anything in existence. It brings a whole new level of concern and love for their well being. I am beyond grateful and honored to have known the people here that I have. These words on this page could never truly do the justice of giving them what they deserve.
These people that I have come to love, some of them are not yet to the point of the pathway to discipleship. Some of them need a little bit more time and effort and I know without a doubt that they will become faithful Latter Day Saints. The hardest thing is knowing that I am leaving them and moving forward. Despite my absence and my efforts that I could put forth, I know it is in the Lord's hands and always has been. It is just hard to know that I won't get to see some of them take those big steps in the Gospel.
The mission and conference mixed together have manifested a testimony within me that has grown to become very sacred and meaningful. It is the knowledge of the divine roles of mothers and fathers, and the significant and absolute importance of family units. My goal and aim with being out here has been to prepare myself for such a role. For those of you who truly know me, know that I am a forward thinker when it comes to things I will be doing in the future. This new mindset and testimony is not me getting ahead of myself, it is me realizing the magnitude of such a calling. A calling that one is never released from. A calling that will impact more lives that I could ever comprehend. A calling that I have never truly seen firsthand in my life.
The one role that I have been able to see take shape and place in my life is the divine role of a mother. All that my mom has done and continues to do is the one key contributor to who I am as a man. Despite everything we have been through as a family, it has been her moral force as a woman that has kept us all together. My mom in my eyes has grown to be something far greater than I've ever seen before. It makes me really regret and feel bad for all the trouble I have given her through out the years. She is my hero. I would not be who I am without her and I would not be becoming the father and husband I am to be without her. Her impact on my life will continue throughout all the generations.
Branched from my mom, has also been her sisters, brothers, and all else I have come in contact with. There are so many that I am indebted to for the example that has been shown to me.
This journey will be one that I treasure forever and hopefully I might be able to take all I can from it.
Thank you all for your support!!
If I don't respond to some of you, it is because today is going to be a crazy day of goodbyes, packing, eating, and everything in between.
Love Always!
Elder Brayden James Sandberg
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