29 days...

I cannot hardly fathom that in less than 29 days I will be on my way to Peru to go to the MTC. 29 days!!!!! AHHHHH!!! My entire life I've been really great with counting down to something. I always said "this situation will make me happier", or "that event will make me happier" but, with this countdown, I've really taken to heart that I should be "enjoying the journey." I've had such a wonderful oppurtunity to really build upon my testimony and to have time to read the Book of Mormon as much as I can and the experiences this time has allowed me to have is just another reason that I KNOW our Heavenly Father loves us each individually.  

People always say that you never know what you've got until it's gone...well I've definitely been feeling the importance of the small things in life recently. I know I will definitely miss my family. Thats a given. I'll miss my friends (being away from most of them for a few months already has proven that). I'll miss the little things we have in America that they don't have in Bolivia. As my departue comes closer and closer though, I know with all of my heart that this time away from the people and things I love is for a great purpose. I LOVE THIS GOSPEL SO MUCH! I wouldn't be doing this mission if I didn't.

 In this weekend's General Conference, Elder Holland said that "you have more faith than you think you do" and that he was "not asking for you to pretend to faith you do not have, but, to be true to the faith you do have." This really effected my perspective on a few things. I know that I have Faith in the Lord, and Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. I have faith is modern day revelation and prophets. I know with all my heart that the Book of Mormon is true. I always thought that my testimony was inferior to others' but, these quotes by Elder jeffery R. Holland taught me to be true to my own testimony and faith and not to let the fact that I am  not perfect or my feelings of imperfection effect my life. Living and acting on the faith that I do have will only strengthen my testimony and guide me to the best I can be. 

With all of that being said, I really do love this church. I am so blessed to be able to go to such a beautiful country and be part of spreading the gospel. I already love the Bolivian people and know that my time, no matter what I may be doing, will be such a wonderful experience that I will most surely never forget. 

Here's your daily dose of the beauty of Bolivia! you're welcome ;)