The last time I got to Skype with my family, I was talking to Dad about how I didn't understand why I was serving for 18 months AND an extra 2 weeks. I think I may have even said something bratty like, "Uhhh, I didn't sign up for that!"
(it was during a rough time)
But he promised me something that I've held onto ever since:
"The Lord has great plans for you, I know that you'll experience some of your greatest miracles the last few weeks of your mission."
Then I got transferred for my last 6 weeks.
And again, I was a brat and wondered whhhyyyyyy.
But let me tell you how the Lord fulfilled my Dad's promise:
If I had never been transferred to Mishawaka these last 6 weeks and if I had never served these extra 2 weeks,
I never would have taught and witnessed the most beautiful conversion of my sweet Stith family.
To say that I love this family is such a freaking understatement.
I have never taught anyone who was more prepared for the gospel, who loved it more, or who truly lived it and hungered after truth.
A couple of months ago, Janet prayed that God would show her a sign...
and the next day the missionaries knocked on their door. lol.
Words will never express the experience it was to teach this family and witness the way the Lord used them to teach me.
Especially, in helping me to remember the pure, sweet truths of the gospel that make it so beautiful.
Dad, you were right. It was one of the greatest miracles of my mission.
When I was in training, fresh out on da mish, I served with a senior couple, the Winings. Elder Winings was basically my BFF and one day while I was about 3 weeks out, he said to me, "We aren't teaching these people anything new, we're helping them to remember things they once knew."
I have learned that there is power in remembrance.
There is a reason why one of the greatest covenants we will ever make with God is to always remember His Son.
Rewind 18 months (and two weeks) to the night that my Stake President set me apart as a missionary... He gave me a promise in my blessing that I have held onto my entire mission: "In the pre-mortal life, you walked and talked with the Prophets of old. On your mission, you will remember those teachings."
I know that that promise isn't just for me, but it is for all those that embark in the service of God.
It is no small thing to say everyday, "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."
That call was given to us even before the foundations of the world so, of course, we would be prepared during that same time -- even before time began.
I know that promise is true. I have felt it.
As I have helped my investigators remember, I have become the Lord's investigator and He has helped me to remember.
Guys, the church is true.
The gospel, the plan, everything. IT'S TRUE. I will never be able to deny that.
But honestly, who cares?
There are a lot of things that are true.
The sky is blue.
That's a true fact.
I can testify that truth is powerless if faith is not added to it, if action isn't taken.
Before my mission I could say, yes, the church was true.
But now I can testify to you that this is the way to eternal life, to joy never-ending, this is the pathway home.
I have applied that faith. I have taken that action.
I know The Book of Mormon is true because I have read it and have felt the power of it in my life.
I know that Joseph Smith was a Prophet because I have asked the Father, as he did, and received the confirming answer. I have seen the power of that answer in my life.
And greatest of all, I know that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Savior of the world.
Because He is my best friend.
I testify that He is the way. He is the truth. He is the light.
Truly, what more is there to say than that?
For the last time,
Sincerely, Sister Soloa'i
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