You know that feeling when it is your last day of school and you have that surge of excitement and you just start counting down the seconds until summer break... But at the same time you feel a little sentimental, nostalgic, and a little sad to say goodbye? I guess that is how you could describe the feelings that I am having right now.
This last week, I've been thinking about everything that I will miss, either about the mission, or the Philippines in general.
1. I will miss the dancing traffic enforcers that always bring a smile when I pass by. The first time I realized they dance was the most hilarious moment. I realized, "It IS more fun in the Philippines!"
2. As weird as this might sound, I will miss meetings. Tuesday, I had my last district meeting and I just realized how much I love to learn to feel inspired.
3. I will miss the various forms of transportation here. All I have to do is clap my hands or wave my hand and in an instant there is a tricycle ready to take us wherever we need to go. I think tricycles should definitely be a thing in the US!!
4. I will miss my Nanays. In every area, there are always Nanays to take care of us missionaries.
5. My boyfriends that call at me and sing to me every day. How will I survive not hearing, "you're so beautiful americano/Snow White/Elsa/Anna".
6. The fruit. ohhhh the fruit!! While we walk, there are always different people that just go and get whatever fruit they have off their trees. It's so fresh and so delicious!
7. I will surely miss the people. Generally, people are so humble and willing to give all. It has taught me so much. Even though the people here have so little, they are willing to sacrifice so much to help others. They are amazing.
8. My name tag. I don't want to take it off EVER!!
9. Having a companion. There is always someone to talk to, so I never get bored.
10. I will miss seeing the spiritual progress of others and seeing when they have excepted the gospel, that they know Heavenly Father knows them and loves them. The best feeling in the world is being able to witness a life change for the better.
There are so many more things/people that I will miss, but I'm also super excited to be able see everyone back home again.
I just am so thankful for everything I've learned. Before my mission I heard a quote from CS Lewis about this little cottage that was being remodeled. The cottage thought that the builder was just going to fix a couple of things here and there, but was surprised when it was being almost completely knocked down and torn to pieces. In the end the little cottage turned into a beautiful mansion. That is kind of how it has been on the mission. When I came here, I instantly started being knocked down. It was tough learning the language. It was SO SO SOOO HOT. And I definitely thought I was not good enough. There were so many more trials that I had to endure though, like being rejected, seeing no progress for a time, and witnessing the pains and hardships of others in their life. But, it was through those trials, I really understood how much we are loved and I better understand what Jesus Christ has done for us. Those trials were but a small moment and have helped me to see the potential that Heavenly Father sees in me and what I have/will become and will how I will continue to improve. But even amongst the trials, there were good things, tender mercies and amazing miracles that happened everyday.
There are so many more things/people that I will miss, but I'm also super excited to be able see everyone back home again.
I just am so thankful for everything I've learned. Before my mission I heard a quote from CS Lewis about this little cottage that was being remodeled. The cottage thought that the builder was just going to fix a couple of things here and there, but was surprised when it was being almost completely knocked down and torn to pieces. In the end the little cottage turned into a beautiful mansion. That is kind of how it has been on the mission. When I came here, I instantly started being knocked down. It was tough learning the language. It was SO SO SOOO HOT. And I definitely thought I was not good enough. There were so many more trials that I had to endure though, like being rejected, seeing no progress for a time, and witnessing the pains and hardships of others in their life. But, it was through those trials, I really understood how much we are loved and I better understand what Jesus Christ has done for us. Those trials were but a small moment and have helped me to see the potential that Heavenly Father sees in me and what I have/will become and will how I will continue to improve. But even amongst the trials, there were good things, tender mercies and amazing miracles that happened everyday.
This was the scripture I chose for my mission plaque back home:
Ether 12:27--And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
I have truly come to know the truth of this scripture along with ...
Alma 26:12--Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever.
They have become some of the most inspiring verses in the Book of Mormon for me. I know they are true. The Lord has definitely made, me, his humble servant, strong in every way. Even if my mission here is over, I know I need to never stop improving, always move forward and endure to the end. Heavenly Father only knows my full potential, so I never want to stop growing, learning and serving him...
Mahal ko kayo lahat!
Sister Koncurat
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