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For this last one, I would like to quote from the last page of my missionary journal. I wrote this on February 5, 1997 on the last plane flight from Chicago to Salt Lake City. This is why I went to Bolivia:"I have served for two years as a missionary for my Savior Jesus Christ. Do I comprehend exactly what that means? I doubt it. I love my mission. It's where the Lord wanted me to go. I served with people the Lord wanted me to know. Missionaries- Elder Hales, Elder Diaz, Elder Fry, Elder Steel, Sister Bybee, Elder Keister, Elder Barahona, Elder Katseanes I mention as a few. Members- Rivera family, Collazos family, Justiniano, Flores , Flores, Trigo. Baptisms Lucy Iba�ez, Lucila Illa�es, Fmla Zabala, Sister Collazos, Aidee, Jaime & Nancy, Victor Hugo y Marina. Other people-Florindo Marquez, Oswaldo Calderon. I love the country and the experiences I had there. My Patriarchal Blessing says, after paraphrasing D&C 88:63, 'I bless you that you will have the opportunity of filling a mission for your Lord and Savior.' It is for Him that I have served. When I was set apart [I was told] that this would be a preparatory period. It has been. That's what I've gained in this time. Yes, my testimony was strengthened. It was already there. Yes, I've developed good daily scripture study habits. I was on the way to that before. What I have gained is a preparation for my life, and something to give to my Savior Jesus Christ. Like Alma, I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me. (Alma 29:9). He has given me, in return for this time, much more than I am ever capable of giving Him. "And [I am] still indebted unto Him, and [am] and will be forever and ever; therefore, of what have [I] to boast?" (Mosiah 2:24). I will build my life on the rock He has given me. That rock is Jesus Christ-the only firm and "sure foundation" (Jacob 4:16). He is my Savior. His work will continue. I am, have been, and will continue to be an instrument in his hands and shall the work say of Him that made it, he made me not? (2 Nephi 27:27) I need Him. I recognize that dependency. All power I possess is from Him. I thank Him for creating the mission that I might serve one, and with Gratitude and Love, I dedicate my Life, my being, and my all to my Lord, my God, and my Savior. He lives. I Know Him--Better than before." |