Well, here it is. My last email. And
I have no idea how to explain my feelings.
A little over two years ago, I
opened up my mission call at my grandma's house. I had a ton of friends over,
my close family nearby me, all excited to see where in the world I would go. We
guessed on a map and no one even came close. When I opened my call, my mom was
videoing it...and when I read the words India New Delhi Mission everyone lost
their minds, my mom even dropped the Ipad. I couldn't believe what I had read.
When the camera was lifted back up to me, my hand was on my chest...I still
remember I could barely breathe right. As I think about that time as one of the
happiest moments of my life, I think that everyone there was pretty excited,
nervous, or amazed about the place I was going to serve. But I didn't grab my
chest, or lose my breath out of excitement. I was literally shaken by the
Spirit. At that moment I knew that I was called to serve in the Lord's greatest
work by God Himself and he had sent me to India, and I knew that was exactly
where I needed to be.
Later that night my parents asked me
if I was ready to go to India, I said yes and I haven't looked back since. I
love this country. I love the people, oh the people, they're my family...the
missionaries I have served with, the people I have taught, and the members I have
met and loved. I love the food, the curries, the naan's and roti's, the dosa
and sambhar. I love the smells and the sights and the culture. I love the
languages and the traditions and the festivals. I have loved every minute of
being here, no matter how hard or challenging it has been. I have loved it! And
this week I will be in tears as I lift up off of Indian soil, not exactly sure
when I will return.
In two years I have changed a lot. I
have learned and grown as a man and as a disciple of the Savior. I know that
the gospel is true. I know that there is a God, and that He loves us so very
much. He wants us to be happy, to live good lives, to reach out and bless
others, and to eventually return home to Him when He needs us there. I believe
wholeheartedly in the Plan of Salvation and in this Gospel. I know that the
Savior overcame both spiritual and physical death to lift us up to eternal
life. I know that when we use our agency to do good, to love, and to serve each
other, the Holy Ghost can be by our side to help us in our journey home.
I'm so thankful for everything I
have been given, I am thankful for this mission and how life changing it has
been. I am thankful for your prayers during these two years, and I love all of
you so much.
I love you and will see you soon...
Elder Armstrong
