Journal Entry from March 26, 2020
Well, I am unexpectedly writing this from a Marriott Hotel room in Guarulhos. We went to the airport yesterday, but apparently our flight wasn’t until tonight. Our entire mission slept in this super nice hotel last night. It has actually been the best way to end things here. I have talked to so many people that I haven’t seen in almost 6 months! Last night, President held one last devotional. It was really special. Sister Miller bore her testimony, and then President talked about when he ran an Iron Man, and how we can’t make up the crazy stuff that happens in life. No one ever expects stuff like this to happen. Like an Iron Man, really unexpected stuff happens, and the only way to get through is if the prize is all you want. After that, he invited us to bear our testimonies. Elder Tanner, the executive secretary, bore his testimony on the miracles that happened for us to go home, and how this is for a purpose. Elder VanDerwerken bore his testimony on how he hopes that the time he spent here blessed lives of people here in Brasil and our lives and how he really felt like he was meant to serve here. I am so grateful to have met so many great missionaries here.
We then had a huge, super nice buffet dinner. I hung out with Elder Hatch and Elder Hawkes. It was super fun. My room assignment was with Elder Frehner and Elder Ellingson, and there were only two beds so I slept on the floor. It was alright. This morning, we woke up and went to breakfast. Afterwards, we played basketball with Elder Hawkes, Elder Tanner, Elder VanDerwerken, Elder Webster, Elder Bishop, Elder Zundel, Elder Lowe, and Elder Christensen. It was a blast.
I still can’t believe that we are going home. It is so crazy. I feel bad for guys like Elder Zundel and Elder VanDerwerken, whose missions are over. It is very bittersweet. I found out that the day that we found out that we were going home was exactly one year since I opened my call. One of the happiest days, and then a year later, one of the saddest days. No matter what, I will continue to serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength.
Saying goodbye was super hard. We had all developed such close relationships to serve the Lord and the people of Brasil. I could not believe that there was a chance that I would not be seeing some of these people again. I am just super grateful that I was able to say goodbye to so many of my friends.
Pictures:
#1- Elder Messace, Elder Tinorio, Elder Ellingson and me. This was as we left our apartment.
#2-3 Elder Pereira and me. This was as our district met at the chapel in Suzano to go to the airport.
#4 Elder Pereira, Elder Zundel and me.
#5 Elder Roniere and me.
#6 Elder Dicou, Elder Ellingson, and me.
#7 The first time at the airport. Elder Christensen, Elder Satteson, Elder Janda, Elder Ellingson, and me.
#8 Elder Bishop and me
#9-10 The view from the Marriott
#11 Elder Tanner (Executive Secretary), Elder VanDerwerken (AP) and I at the Marriott
#12 - Elder Ellingson, Elder Hatch, Elder Janda, and me. Elder Hatch trained me, and was in the process of training Elder Janda.
#13 Elder Tuttle, Elder Stewart, and me. We started together in Cruzeiro.
#14 Playing Uno in the airport as we waited for our flight.
#15 Elder Hawkes and me
#16 Elder Webster, Elder Hatch, Elder Ellingson, and me
#17 Elder Christensen and me. We started together in the CTM, and we ended together in the airport.
#18. Sister Beck, Elder Archibald, and I on the airplane
#19 The screen showing our destination
#20 Presidente Miller, Sister Miller, and I at the airport
