Wow. How have I come
to this point? It's something that's been creeping up and also coming so
fast all at the same time. My final email? My final pday? My final week?
I'm not entirely sure what
to say. So I'll start with the fact that I have already lost sleep over
not seeing some of my most beloved people again. That is the very reason
I came to Mongolia in the first place. The people. And they mean more to
me than words can express. The Christlike people I have met while I have
been here have changed my life forever. They teach me that I can be
better. And I'm forever indebted to them. It's my hope that at some
point in the time they changed my life I was able to do some good in
theirs. Heavenly Father is so good. When a good thing happens, many
people are blessed. I've seen that in my life. All of the people
I've come to love would probably say it's been a two-way street of life
bettering, but I'd say I've come out as the most blessed.
It's weird to think that
the hopes I had for my mission are now memories. I don't have many
material evidences of the experiences I've had for the past year and a half
besides a couple of souvenirs and pictures. I am the evidence of my
experiences. I have a stronger testimony of my Savior and His restored
Gospel that is on the Earth today. I have seen, with my own eyes, the
changes that the Gospel makes. I've learned to receive personal
revelation and listen to and understand how God answers my questions.
I've seen His hands in every moment of my mission, making the most beautiful
experiences that were custom made for me to see His love. I've felt that
love for others I've served. I can't help it.
I learned to make the last
of the main Mongolian foods on Monday night. Our member has made that her
quest before I go home, and it'll make my life so much better. Sometimes
the food is weird here, but I know I'll miss it.
On Tuesday night, we went
to institute with our investigator, who is lovely in every way. Institute
was so good. And so many people I loved whispered my name during the class to
get my attention. I love them all. It was like a spiritual feast and a
reunion!
I learned ballet from a
little six year old while her grandma made calzones for dinner. Turns out
I'm not as flexible as I was when I was six. But I can still do some of
the moves. The six year old was impressed, so I'm good with it.
The sweet grandma we visit
regularly read the scripture we shared about hope, and she said, "We have
hope because we know God! We need to work, though. With hope we can
go with God." She's not understandable 99% of the time, but I sure
did understand that. Heavenly Father wanted me to know that. That's
why He let me understand. See what I mean? These people are top notch!
It was my last Sunday
yesterday. They had ward conference, and Elder Toronto of the Asia Area
Presidency presided. Then they had me bear my testimony. No
pressure. The members of the stake leadership were also there, which
included my lovely former companion and her new husband. And all these
people I love so much! As the sacrament was passed to me by Munkhgerel's
husband, I turned to him and he suggested I give a cup of sacrament water to
the little boy who toddled up to me at the piano during the prayer. So I
offered it to him. He looked up with these big brown eyes and looked so
angelic. Heavenly Father taught me about how I've been using my last year
and a half offering the Savior's love and sacrifice to all. And I
couldn't help but feel grateful that my companion's husband gave me the chance
to give the water to the little boy. The lessons in Sunday School and
Relief Society were given by Munkhgerel and her husband. They may have been the
best lessons I've heard in church. Not that I'm biased at all. But
they talked about God's love and knowing us personally. And overcoming
fear by focusing on God's love. Perfect for me. Straight from heaven.
Everyone came up afterward to wish me well and hug me. It was pretty sad
for me. But at the same time, I'm just so grateful that I met them at
all!
This week is going to be
great. Going out for a girls day today and then spending my last day in
my area tomorrow visiting people. Thursday I'll have a farewell dinner
and then get on a plane on Friday. I can't believe it! It's been
wonderful. Some of the best 19 months of my life. Some of the times
were hard and trying, but the 10% of difficult was swallowed up in the 90%
good. It's opened my eyes to see how much Heavenly Father is mindful of
me.
And as I come home, I can't
help but think of Elder Holland's talk about good things to come. https://www.lds.org/ensign/1999/11/an-high-priest-of-good-things-to-come?lang=eng
I know that as hard as it
is to say these goodbyes, I'm also looking forward to a great future. The good
things can't stop here! And they won't! Because Heavenly Father
loves us so much, and our purpose on this earth is to have joy!
With that, I love you all!
I am grateful for the experiences I've had which have changed who I am.
And I look forward to seeing you soon! I love my mission! I love
the Lord! See you soon!
Sister Bottorff
With my companion in the rain
I made buuz - I can be taught!
Archery is a major sport here - and it's fun!
Some more pictures of this place I've come to love...
