It’s almost the new year, and that means it’s time for us to
reflect upon what we have achieved and accomplished in 2012. It has been quite the year, the only year
that I have ever completely dedicated 100% of the year to missionary work. What a blessing that has been and will be as I
finish my mission this upcoming year. In
this last year I have had only 3 areas meaning I have had such great opportunity
to get close to the members of each of the 3 branches I have gotten to serve
in. It’s kind of crazy to think that in
my entire 19 months of my mission I have only had 4 areas! Each one has been so special and so rich in
memories that I have no complaints or regrets.
Every time I get on a plane or a bus it hits me again and again, "I’m
on Borneo, in Malaysia, and I’m a missionary!" I have counted the number of plane rides I
have taken on my mission and the number of long distant bus rides I have
taken. As of the end of 2012 I have taken
43 plane rides and 21 bus rides and entered Singapore 9 times. I have eaten strange animals and animal parts
(chicken butt anyone?). I have lived
next to the ocean. I have sweated more
and felt hotter than I ever have in my entire life. So, when it comes to living life, it has been
the best. But more importantly, I have
made lifelong friends that cannot be forgotten.
I have shared the gospel and watched it work (like magic) in the lives
of countless people. It has solidified
my testimony that we are all sons and daughters of God. We all share a divine potential to have
eternal families and eternal like in the life to come.
I hope we all had a great year and will continue to make
each year meaningful and positive! Happy New Year
