TIME + SERVICE = A PROFOUND CHANGE FOR GOOD

Two days ago fourteen young Latter-day Saint men and women left the mission field for their former homes.  They had faithfully completed their missions.  In a meeting held just hours before, several of them had expressed a deep and abiding love for this country and its people and privately wished that they could stay longer.  "It has been the best two years of my life," was expressed over and over again.

From top left: Elder Limon, Elder Ramirez, Elder Birt, Elder Underwood, Elder Bergquist, Elder Bautista, Elder Perez, Elder Heber and Elder Rodriguez.  Front row: Sister Aguilar, Sister Tanner, Sister Gomorah, Sister Lopez, Sister Williams.

Two of our favorites: Sister Aguilar and Sister Tanner

As is customary President and Sister Dester prepared them a "going away" dinner in their home.  We were lucky enough to be invited and we were treated to a feast - both spiritually and temporally.  In a brief fireside-type chat, President Dester asked them all to share something that they had learned while serving their mission that they had not known before coming on their mission.  Their responses were varied but extremely sincere.  Frequently one would say, "I've learned those things too, but one additional thing I learned was...."  In this blog we wanted to share with you the wonderful reasons why a parent would wish for their child to have this experience of service.  Here is just a small sampling of what these missionaries said:

• Elder Limon said, "I learned that everybody matters - not just me.  These people are all my brothers and sisters.  When I see someone crying, I don't just pass them by, I now go to them to see if I can help."
• Elder Birt (in perfect Spanish) said, "I have learned that happiness is a decision.  My environment or circumstances don't have the power to affect my happiness.  I have chosen to be happy."
• Elder Bergquist said, "I have learned how to talk to people, but probably even more importantly, I have learned that people are worth talking to."
• Many talked of the importance of obedience.  Elder Underwood said, "I have learned that in order to obtain the guidance of the Holy Ghost I have to be obedient to what He has already taught me."
• Elder Perez said, "I have learned patience.  I'm not perfect yet, but I have learned to give people the benefit of the doubt and to let them progress at their own pace.  I am more patient now."
• Sister Gomorah said, "I have learned how to pray - I mean, how to really pray."

Sister Lopez and Elder Bautista

Most of these things, and more, were learned by them all.  However, one thing stood out above the rest.  Sister Lopez summed up the night when she said, "I have learned to know and to trust my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I now know better what He did for us, and I will be eternally grateful."

What a privilege it has been for us to associate with these fine young men and women for these two years.  We have watched them grow up while serving here in Honduras.  Every lesson they learned while serving as missionaries will bless their future lives every single day. 

With every group that leaves, another group of "youngsters" comes to replace them.  On Tuesday of this week twenty-three brand new missionaries arrived in San Pedro Sula.  They are excited and a little bit scared, but they are ready to serve.  It is amazing to know that in just a few short months, these new ones will be as powerful as those we just sent home.

Our new missionaries

One thing is certain - lives will change here in Honduras because these young people selflessly have chosen to serve.  However, the life that is most likely to change is the life of each of these missionaries.  They will be better people for having chosen to come.  These next photos illustrate that truth better than our words can.

Elder Underwood was thrilled when his younger brother was called to serve his mission in this same country.  But, because missionaries can't leave their mission boundaries they were never able to see each other even though, at times, they were only 50 miles apart.  He received special permission to see his brother for one day before flying home.  We were privileged to drive him down to Tegucigalpa where his brother was serving.  We met at the temple there.  The incredible joy they experienced as they met and shared their common experiences and the lessons they had learned underlined what this service does for these missionaries.  Their hearts grow softer; their love grows deeper; and their testimonies are stronger.