"In His plan there are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings."‏

A year and a half has come and gone. This will be my last email from the Great White North. It's hard to believe!

This past week, Sister Howell and I focused our contacting on sharing the First Vision. My testimony of the Restoration has been strengthened each time I share that experience with someone. We are so blessed to know that Christ has restored saving truths to the earth! What happened on that spring day in 1820 changed the world and if you let it, it can change your life. 

I'm filled with a lot of different emotions as this journey comes to an end. I listened to a talk this morning by President Uchtdorf called "Of Regrets and Resolutions." In it he speaks of a nurse who asked her terminally ill patients if they had any regrets about life. Three common responses were, "I wish I had spent more time with the ones I love," "I wish I had lived up to my potential," and "I wish that I had let myself be happier." In reflecting on my mission, these three statements adequately describe some of my emotions about different areas, companions, and experiences. 

During my personal study this morning, I read this statement from Preach My Gospel: "You can feel certain that the Lord is pleased when you feel the Spirit working through you." In spite of my regrets, I feel those sorrows and inadequacies swallowed up in the joy of recognizing the many moments the Lord worked through me to help one of His children. I would never trade my mission for anything because of the lessons I have learned and the conversion I have gained. To anyone thinking of serving a mission, young or old, please do so! It will be the best decision you will ever make! It is worth every sacrifice to be an instrument in the Lord's hands. 

I know that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. He lives! Joseph Smith was a prophet of God. The Book of Mormon is the word of God and by studying it each day, your heart will change. I know these things for myself through my own experiences and through the power of the Holy Ghost. 

I love you all! See you soon!

Love,

Sister Renda

"The Spirit is the key 

that unlocks the doors to eternity.

Love is always in season,

And Christ is the reason!"