ONE YEAR (Week 52)

 Hello everyone!! Starting off with big news: one year ago today I was set apart as a missionary for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  

It's probably been the hardest year of my life. Learning a new language, learning to live and get along with different types of people, facing rejection every single day, being exhausted, and the list goes on (and on... and on...)

BUT

It's also been the most rewarding year of my life.

I have met SO many amazing people, who have inspired me so much.

I have had so many unique experiences that I could not have had in any other place.

I have grown and changed as a person. I know spanish now, I'm more confident, and most importantly, my testimony of Jesus Christ has grown in so many ways 

But, just like this graph emoji, there was a point or two when instead of growing it felt like I was on a decline testimony wise. Where I questioned what I was doing, if it was right, if it was worth it, and if this is a course I should maintain. 

The short answer is yes. It is right. It is worth it. And I will see it through to the end.

Here's the long answer: 

There was a time on my mission where I felt so far from God. It seemed like nothing I was doing to bring me closer to Him worked. I was praying, I was reading my scriptures, and overall just trying my best and it wasn't working. I questioned if it was right to preach this gospel of joy because I wasn't feeling joy. Thanks to the support of other missionaries, my amazing companion, my friends, some medication for depression and my family I got through it. I started seeing miracles again ️ As I came through that trial, I saw a stark difference between feeling the presence of God in my life and having that absence. Feeling like God wasn't there was absolutely miserable and I don't want anyone to feel that way ever. So, like, I guess I'll stay here 

I want to testify that I know God loves you. YOU individually and perfectly. The Book of Mormon is the word of God along with the Bible. Joseph Smith is the prophet of the restoration. And you can know all of these things, for yourself, through prayer. 

This is a scripture that I love that I read this morning:

"We walk by faith, not by sight" - 2 Corinthians 5:7

Short, but powerful. Sometimes we just need to keep going forward, even when we don't know the way. Keep the faith. Trust in God. "If you're going through hell, keep on going" 

No matter what you're going through, you'll get through it. Just keep going forward and upward! Love you all  

- Hna Erickson