Home Again!

Leaving Laoag - Pictures from the Field

Quite Possibly My Last Email...June 18, 2018

Magandang araw sa inyong lahat!

So... This day came way too fast.  I'm so grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve a mission.  I'm honestly not sure what to say.  These two years have been full of ups and downs, hardships and trials, successes and miracles.  I can honestly say that these two years have been the best two years for my life.  I have learned so many things, many of which I didn't even expect to learn.  I've especially learned more about myself and how to rely on the Lord in helping me overcome my weaknesses.

I will definitely miss the people of the Philippines, a people so loving, caring, generous, hospitable, and humble.  I have seen many people change their lives in order to live in harmony with the gospel and receive all of the blessings that the Lord is willing to give them.  I have seen miracles happen because of the faith of these wonderful people, and the greatest miracle I have definitely seen is the miracle of conversion, not just in these amazing people, but also in myself.  

As I have come to witness the changes and blessings that come into these people's lives, I have also changed.  There have been many humbling experiences for me over these two years, and I hope when I come home those experiences will have made an apparent change in me and my character.  I have seen growth in my spirituality as my understanding of these wonderful gospel increased through these two years.

Of all the blessings I have received and witnessed throughout these two years, the greatest blessing I have received has been coming to more personally know my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am so thankful for the atoning sacrifice of God's Only Begotten Son.  I have seen it's power in my life, and I have used that power to give myself the strength to push beyond the trials that would be impossible to overcome if I were on my own.  I am absolutely in awe of the love Christ has for each and every one of us.  All we need to do is come closer to Him, and He will draw near to us and guide us through our everyday struggles and afflictions.  He knows each and every one of us by name, and He knows exactly what we need in life.  I know that my Redeemer lives, and He is always there to help me become the person God knows I can be.

Thank you all for your love and support over these two wonderful, stressful, growth filled years.  I especially thank my parents and siblings for their prayers, emails, packages, help, and advice as I have learned and adjusted to this new type of life.

Well.. This is it...

Mahal ko kayong lahat.  Di ko makakalimutan ang mga natutunan ko dito sa mission.  Maraming akong naging kaibigan, at nagpapasalamat ako sa Diyos na nakapaglingkod ako sa mga tao dito sa Pilipinas.  Hinihiling ko sa Diyos na gagabayan Niya kayo hanggang sa ating muling pagkikita.  Salamat sa inyong supporta at pagmamahal.  Mamimiss ko ang buhay ko dito sa Pilipinas.

Remember that God loves you all,

Love,

Elder Anderson