1. I have learned who the Savior is, I have learned his perfect character and his patience and love, I have grown closer to him as I have had the opportunity to work right beside him. I think the main thing that I have learned is that the Savior has done so much for me and the only thing I can do is serve him and show him my love!!
2. I have learned what my gift to the savior truly is. I will never forget my dads email, telling me to focus on the whole journey and that, that is my gift to the savior.
3. I have learned what the word Conversion really means, and that conversion can only come as we yield our hearts to God so that he can sanctify and purify them. I have learned that to labor for your own conversion and the conversion of others is a noble task! THE NOBLEST TASK!! And that it truly does bring a fullness of Joy.
4. I have learned that the Book of Mormon is true!! I can not deny it, I can not deny the spirit that I have felt every time I have read Moroni's promise after finishing the book, and every time I have knelt down to ask God. There is POWER in the Book of Mormon, and the Book is priceless. It testifies on every page of who Jesus Christ is and of his divinity and his mission and ministry and it teaches the Atonement!! I love what the book of Mormon refutes and what it affirms and what it reveals. It is through the Book of Mormon that I have come to know my Savior.
5. I have learned what my purpose is and why I am here, to invite others to come unto Christ, and to make covenants with him. I have learned My missionary Commission...." I am called of God. My authority is above that of the kings of the earth. By revelation I have been selected as a personal representative of the Lord Jesus Christ. He is my master and He has chosen me to represent him, to stand in His place, to say and do what He himself would say and do if He personally were ministering to the very people to whom He has sent me. My voice is His voice, and my acts are His acts, my doctrine is His doctrine. My Commission is to do what He wants done, To say what He wants said, to be a living modern witness in word and in deed of the divinity of his great and marvelous Latter-day work. How great is my calling." -Bruce R. McConkie
6. I have learned that God has sent me to specific areas and to specific companions for a reason. I will forever be grateful for Hermana Smith, Hermana Cardosa, Hermana Briceno, Hermana Bryson, Hermana Guttierrez, Hermana Garcia, Hermana Haycock, Sister Pelo, Sister McLing, Hermana Farronay, and Hermana Peterson! These amazing Sisters have changed my life I have grown so much just from knowing them!! ANd it would take me way to long to express all of the amazing things that they have taught me!! Let me just say that I am so grateful that God knew exactly who I needed and when i needed them!
7. I have learned what true Love and Charity means and how to love someone with your whole heart, and desire there Salvation. I will be forever Grateful for the people who have taught me that. For Monica, Lorena, Sergio, Faith Day, Judith Hodge, The Payan Family, Paige Romery, Angelica, Angel, Cesar, and Geraldine, Ryan Blackburn, Eric Nitzle, Izzy Hanks, Lucero Salazar and The Gurrola Family!!
8. I have learned that the Hope of No Empty Chairs, is really what everyone wants and needs. I have learned on my mission of the reality of the Plan of Salvation, especially serving in Steamboat with the Christensen Family, I have learned the peace and joy and eternal perspective that the Plan gives us.
9. I have learned that Mission Presidents are called of God, I trust and Love President Gifford and Sister Gifford and I can not thank them enough for being my missionaries and for everything that they have taught me. I will forever be grateful for there Faith and for the way they have invited me to come unto Christ.
10. I have learned that Faith, Obedience and Diligence brings forth miracles. I can not even tell of all of the tender mercies that I have seen on my mission. And I have also learned that the Gift of Tongues is real and I have gained a real LOVE for the Hispanic culture and for this language.
There are so many more things that I have learned but I cant even begin to write it all down, we would be here forever if I tried. But I just want you all to know that I am so grateful for every day that I have had to serve on the Front Lines in the Lords battle for Souls in Denver Colorado. I am so grateful for the way that my mission has truly refined me and changed me to start to become who he wants me to be. Every day in the mission hasn't been easy, but it has always been worth it. I know that This experience has changed my life forever, and helped me to understand that Jesus Christ needs disciples... and he needs them FOREVER!! I feel like I truly am leaving the land Bountiful like in 1 Nephi chapter 17, but I do know that the Lord has commanded me to build a ship and to sail to the promised land. It feels like I am saying Goodbye to my family AGAIN!!! And I know that the Lord has a plan for me and that I need to trust in him and have the Faith to build His ship. The only words I can leave you with to describe my thoughts in this moment, would be from my favorite song, The Hardest Thing I ever Loved to do.
".......The Hardest tears I ever loved to cry, fell as i opened up my mouth and testified. Between the tiny walls of a strangers living room, the spirit told there hearts my words were true.
And the sweetest sound I ever loved to hear is the sound of the water running in the church, as someone Id come to love got dressed in White, my eyes saw the first glimpse of heavens light.
The hardest thing I've ever loved to see, is a man down on his knees in agony a drop of blood falls down on olive leaves, and for a moment he suffers there... for me.
The Hardest thing I've ever loved to do, is getting on this plane and coming home to you. In a million ways completely torn apart, as a land so far away still owns my heart. ( not that far away hahah)
And the most sincere prayer I've ever prayed, I thank my God for EACH and EVERY day. For the blessing of the (wo)man I've come to be.... As I walk up and kiss my mommas cheek."
I know I will look back every day on this experience with Joy and Love in my heart. This Mission has forever changed me... And I will never be able to repay my Savior for this Gift that HE has given ME.
Les Quiero!! God be with you till we meet again!!
Hermana Tams💜❤💙
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