“Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people that they might have everlasting life.” -3 Nephi 5:13
This is it. My last email as a missionary. It doesn’t feel real that I will be back in Colorado in 2 days. Wow, time really does fly! I’m sad to leave California and everything that it means to me, but I’m excited to see my family and take a nap.
Not much happened this week that I want to write about, so instead I’m going to seize this opportunity to bear my testimony. I have grown so much spiritually while I’ve been on my mission. Before I came out, I believed in God and Jesus Christ and felt like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was true, but I didn’t do a whole lot about it. I would pray and go to church and read the scriptures just to check it off the list. I was becoming spiritually apathetic, but I cared enough to want to do something about it. So on a mission I went.
Now I KNOW that God and Jesus Christ are real and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ’s church restored to the earth. I’ve learned how important praying is, and how much closer it brings us to God. I’ve learned that the scriptures have power, and church is not just something to suffer through. I know that Joseph Smith is a prophet of God and he translated The Book of Mormon through the power of God. I know that President Russell M Nelson is the Lord’s prophet on the earth today and he receives revelation from Him to lead us. I know that the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible for us to return to live with our Father in Heaven. Because of Jesus Christ we can be forgiven of every mistake we have made. We can find peace in hard times because He knows everything we go through and He knows how to help us. Because of Him, death is not the end and we will all be resurrected and have perfect bodies one day. I love my Savior and am so grateful for him. I’m so grateful I had this opportunity to give up 17 months and one week of my life to Him. My mission has been so hard, but so worth it.
Well folks, thank you so much for all the love you’ve sent me and prayers you’ve said for me. If you’ve gotten anything out of my emails I hope it’s that I love the gospel of Jesus Christ and missions can be fun. I will see you all soon!
Ciao,
Sister Schroeder
Valentine’s Day selfie:
Seeing Sister Flitton at the departing missionary temple trip (we decided we’ll be temporary comps tomorrow before we go home)
A pretty rainbow we saw:
Saying goodbye to one of my favorite members:
One of the people we’re teaching who’s from Syria made us baklava:
A member we said goodbye to has lightsabers!
I slammed my toe into my suitcase… twice (it looks worse in person)
