Argentina Adventures: April 2014

This Easter Sunday was such a great one. It was a day to take the sacrament. It was a day to have my prayers answered. It was a day to visit those I love. It was a day to be with family. It was a day to testify of Christ. It was a day of love and laughter. It was a day of gratitude.

How could this day have been so great you may ask? BECAUSE OF HIM

I love this video that has been seen by so many. For Easter, I was able to ponder, reflect, and feel the spirit as I thought of all that has been made possible through my Savior, Jesus Christ. We talked about this in Relief Society today so I may be copying what others have said. There are SO many things that he has done for me. I'm telling you. The list could go on forever. But I just want to focus on a few that are relevant to me at this stage in my life.

Because of Him....I ~~can be~~ am forgiven
Because of Him....I ~~can be~~ am happy
Because of Him... I am loved

The things that have brought me the greatest joy in this life is my family, and my Savior. He made it all possible. He gave me my family. And more importantly, he gave us eternity. He has not only made me happy, he will continue to do so. He not only has forgiven me, but he will continue to do so. These are blessings that I already have received, but it doesn't stop there. His love is infinite, and his mission real.

Because of Him....I can be confident
Because of Him... I never have to be alone.

I'm not sure how many of you have served missions or even considered it. Let me let you in on a little secret. it is freaking scary - terrifying even at times. Preparing for a mission has been so difficult as my outlook and attitude can quickly change. It is a constant roller coaster of up's and down's. Lately, I have felt like I have been on a deep down. Time is getting short. The day is approaching and I find myself second guessing every decision I have made up to this point. I have spent tons of time in the temple. I have spent tons of time on my knees, yet the relief never seemed to come. Until today. Watching this video and just trying to imagine the slightest pain and sorrow that Christ felt through the Atonement and Crucifixion was difficult enough. Then thinking of the joy, love, peace and hope that came through his resurrection brought tears to my eyes, and a pounding heart. And this can only be a sliver of what I can feel. I don't need to have fear for my mission. I don't need an angel to confirm to me that this religion is true. I don't need to worry of the rejection, loneliness and homesickness that will surely come. Because of Him. He lives. Therefore the testimony I will be sharing is real and I can be confident in this infinite, saving, glorious, and joyful message of the gospel with his return. He atoned for me. Therefore he will always be by my side with complete understanding and complete love. Even when the door is slammed in my face. Even when my Spanish is painful to listen to. Even when I miss home. He will be there.

He is there for all like he is there for me. He lives and so can we. What joy this brings.

I love my Savior. I know he lives. I know he is present in my life because I allow him to be. I know he will come again, and I know because of him, I am forgiven, I am happy, I am loved, I can be confident, and I never have to be alone. There is no need to fear when my Savior is near.

This is why I am serving a mission and this is what I will be sharing with those in Argentina. Because it is truth. Because of Him. I want all who are willing to experience this snippet of eternal joy I have thus experienced. He has helped me through my lows, and he will help you too. It is his perfect nature, character and love.

Let Him in - because he is real, and he is love.

Why am I willing to take 18 months of valuable time out of my life when school, dating, travel, adventure, family, and friends remain -- to serve a mission?

BECAUSE OF HIM

>>>>>>>>>Want to learn more of Christ and his atonement and resurrection? click here<<<<<<<<<<

One of the greatest blessings of going on a mission is being able to be endowed in the House of the Lord. I love to go to the temple. In fact, since receiving my own endowment on February 21, 2014, I have gone with my mom for our own little "Temple Tuesday" every week. We have the spirit, lunch and bonding chats. What could be better??? I have been to 4 temples since and I love serving others.

For my own endowment I was flooded with support and love. Unfortunately, we didn't get a huge picture with everyone that was there, but as they each walked into the ordinance room, tears filled my eyes. I have so many who love me, and what a great place to be reunited -- inside the temple! Another surprise that really touched me was having Heidi (Robins) and Adam Lewis there as well. They just happened to be there and were able to attend the same session. It was so sweet to have my idols there too!! Haha - I always tease with them how I am obsessed with them.

Here is a list of all who came: Grandma Lambert (She sewed and brought me my own temple apron! I love to wear it and be reminded of her!), Grandma & Grandpa Woolley, Dave & Melanie, Natalie, Derek, Scott & Sarah, Andrew, Alec, Ken & Sara, Staci & Danny, Mom & Dad, Allison & Dan, Tyler--- Man I love them all so much! What a blessing it is to be sealed with them for ETERNITY! So much joy!