It's all over but the work

I always wondered what it was like to be a missionary close to going home.  Now the feelings are very clear, yet sometimes I still can't sort out my emotions.  I feel happy to get to see my family and to see what else the Lord has in store for me.  I feel grateful for all the people I have met in Thailand - both those that touched my life and those that I was privileged enough to touch their lives.  I feel amazed that the Lord has performed so many miracles.  I feel sad that I won't be in Thailand anymore and that I won't physically be wearing my missionary badge anymore.  But overall, I feel hopeful that the Work of Salvation will continue on as stone cut out without hands.  I feel hopeful that the Lord will take care of those I love in Thailand.  I feel hopeful that the Lord will still use me as an instrument in the Lord's hands to bless the lives of His children.  I will always have my missionary badge painted on my heart.  These last 18 months will always be a part of who I am.

We aren't made for endings, but just endless beginnings.  We are made of the stuff of eternity.

 6 And now, behold, I say unto you, that the thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father. Amen.
-Doctrine and Covenants 16:6

Over my mission I can't even express the spectrum of emotions I have felt.  Seeing the change that comes into the lives of others, however, is worth all the stress, sorrow, or tears I could ever give.  

 21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.
- Alma 36:21

This in itself is a testimony to me that Jesus Christ lives.  He suffered so much for each of us individually, but it was because He loves us.  He didn't think of Himself, but thought only of us and how much we need Him - how much we could not do it on our own.  I know that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.  I know that He loves us and desires us to be happy.  He has prepared the way for us to have real joy - eternal joy.  That is our Heavenly Father's greatest desire - for us to return to Him, well polished and thankful for the refining.  Jesus Christ, the sinless Son of God, gave himself a sacrifice  for sin so that the repentant sinner may have eternal life.

Miracles exist.  They happen every day.  All we have to do is have faith - not faith in ourselves or in others, but in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I promise that I will always be a faithful servant to our Lord and Savior.  I will always have my missionary badge painted on my heart.  The work doesn't stop, and neither should we.

For the last time from Thailand:  I know this Church is true.  I know Jesus Christ is our Savior.  I know that God loves His children.

I love you all. See you all soon!  :):)
Sister Norrell