The Last Letter!

My Dearest Family,

Well, this is it- my last letter home. I will be leaving my beautiful Belgium in three short days, and when I think about it, my heart breaks. Thank you for your loving words- they meant a lot to me today. It is really the first day that the reality of the time has sunk in and I have realized that this really is it. I have been in a bit of an oblivion- one which I sought for- for the last few weeks, which has blessed me with a focus that has made the last few weeks some of the best of my mission. All unrealities, however, must come to an end, and as I started packing this morning, I began to realize that this really is it. Luckily, the pain is accompanied with a whole lot of joy that I feel at the idea of seeing you all again. I have missed you all so much, and it will be fun to get to know you all again and hear about all of the exciting things you all are up to. That is so cute that Cozy can't understand when I'm actually coming home- I'm sure it'll still take some time for her to get to know me, but it'll be fun. Thinking of her being so excited reminds me that there is a life back home where I have responsiblities and people to love!

It was a great week- truly wonderful. The word for miracle in dutch is wonder- very fitting. Yesterday was a very special day at church. Heidi and Marie Therese were confirmed as members of the church, and the Spirit was so strong. They were just glowing as they told me of the warm, calm feelings that came over them as they received the Holy Ghost. Marie said that the warmth came from the hands of the men who confirmed her and went all the way to her heart- a beautiful description from a woman so prepared to truly RECEIVE the Holy Ghost into her heart. I was privileged to translate the sacrament meeting into English for all of the English speakers present, which I love to do, and the bishopric asked me to say a few words during the meeting- an emotional, but very special experience. I love these people. We then went and found the sweetest new investigator- her name is Adella, and se is so prepared to hear the gospel. The sisters will mean a whole lot to her as they continue to help her make the necessary changes in her life to come unto Christ. My goal for this next 2 days is to invite everyone possible to come unto Christ. It truly is the best work we can do.

Thank you so much for your love and support as I have been here on my mission. Your love, letters, and support have meant so much to me. I will miss giving weekly written updates, but talking will be great, I'm sure!

I know that my Savior lives. That is a testimony that has come to burn inside me and will hopefully grow every day as I continue to be enlisted in this great cause. This time next week, I won't have a nametag, but I will do everything in my power to ensure that Christ's name stays etched on my soul forever. I love this work. I don't know how I'll leave it behind, but I pray that the Lord will help me through it just like He has helped me through every trial, every joy, and every moment of this wonderful journey of my mission. May God guide me through these last few days of my mission is my prayer and desire.


Ik hou van jullie!

Tot Donderdag!

Liefs,
Zuster Cherie Gulliver