Week 101

Well, this is it!

My last and final email before I go home this week. I just want to preface that this email will be a little different, just because: A) I have a lot more motivation and energy to write a good one this week; B) It is my last one; C) My testimony must be shared!

I just want to start by saying my mission has been one of the most difficult yet joyous experiences I have had in my life so far. I remember coming in so clueless about what God had in store for me in the next 2 years of my life. I lived somewhere I did not know, I was not with my parents, I was trying to learn a new language, no one knew who I was – it was all very big and changing for me. Luckily, I was able to survive it all, as you can see, but there was a quote that came from some of my loved ones that I have held onto for my entire mission. The first one was from my Mother, and she said, "You can do anything you put your mind to, don't forget that." What a powerful reminder that nothing that God gives us is impossible! The next one comes from my dear grandmother, and she always says, "Stay steady, work hard." I have learned that I am totally capable of dedicating myself to something and learning how to be good at it. I felt as if I had no capability of working very hard at something, and I can gladly say that I was able to work hard every day of my mission.

The things I have learned while being out here are priceless. I will never forget the thousands of life lessons I have learned, experiences I have had with those I love or struggle with, the hard times, the good times, or the love and support I have received the entire time. A quick experience I will tell you about just occurred this past week. About a month ago, I found this woman while walking around in an apartment complex, and we got to share a small and brief message with her. More often than not, the people I talk to try to get away from me when I approach them. This woman was no different. Fast forward to now – we have been able to have 2-3 good visits with her, and this latest one was the game-changer. We went over and sat down, and she began to explain the struggles she has in her life. We consoled her and were able to provide comfort through Christ. Then, she looked at me and started to tell me that when I first talked to her, she had never wanted to leave a conversation more in her life. She wanted OUT! However, I kept pushing it, and she said that she will forever be grateful for me pushing her just a little bit more to hear this message of hope. The number of times people have yelled at me, scorned me, judged me, or ignored me while I have been persistent in sharing the gospel is not countable. However, this little experience, this little change in her life, made all of those past times irrelevant. She is going to change and will forever be grateful because I cared enough just to push it a little bit more. Can I be annoying? Probably. Can I be pushy? Most definitely, yes. I have to say, I am so grateful the spirit gave me the green light on that one; otherwise, she would not have access to the help she is getting now.

This week, our friend Crystal attended the temple with us. She seemed to have loved it, and I am so glad she did. I was able to help her be baptized for some people, and I can tell that she felt something different. I was also able to attend the annual Spanish Fiesta here in the Reno area and got to see some good old friends I have taught and worked with. One of the gentlemen that I found over a year ago in Carson City has been the strongest convert I have ever seen. The Spirit was so strong when I first met him, and I am glad that it was because I never knew that one day he would step into the waters of baptism. God works in such a mysterious way! My friend was able to share his testimony of how he came to the gospel, and it warmed my heart to hear. I can walk away saying that I did something with my mission.

I have a firm testimony in my Savior, Jesus Christ. I also know for a fact that the Book of Mormon is true. I have a sure testimony as well that God is our Loving Heavenly Father, and inside each of us is that divine potential built within. I know that this Church is the Restored Church of Jesus Christ Himself when He walked the earth. I know that we have a living Prophet that leads and guides us today and that all of what I just spent the last 2 years doing has been worth it for the sake of mankind. This work is incredible. I cannot put into words how grateful I am to have been able to serve a full-time mission. Thank you EVERYONE for the amazing amount of support and love these past 101 weeks. Again, this Saturday, August 5th, at 6 pm, I will be having people over to say hi! Feel free to come and get some food and talk – I would love it! My address is 422 E Woodridge Oak Dr, Draper, UT 84020. Take care, everybody! See you in a quick 5 days!

Jacob 7:26 - And it came to pass that I, [Cole], began to be old; and the record of this people is being kept on the other plates of [Reno, Nevada]. Wherefore, I conclude this record, declaring that I have written according to the best of my knowledge, by saying that the time passed away with us and also our lives passed away like as it were a dream unto us...