Sister Jack Is Back!

Becca got home last Thursday, a wonderful Valentine's gift for her family :) Here are some photos from the airport. And click on this link to hear the talk she gave in church about some of her experiences on her mission.

Becca's coming home!

As I'm guessing you noticed from Becca's last email, she's coming home soon! She'll be speaking in church on February 17 about her experiences over the past 18 months, and we'd love it if you could be there! Church starts at 9am at 9 Jewett St in Georgetown, MA.

--Annie

The Final Email (Can you believe it? Because I can't)

It has been a lovely week, and the weather has even matched it! I will admit it all seems a bit surreal that I am writing you for the last time, as a missionary that is :) But it will be nice to be able to speak with you face to face as well.

Let me start and report about the area. Things are going well, and we are continuing to work hard. Sister Crookston and I do a good job about laughing together, enjoying the moment and working diligently. The YSA are doing well, and we are striving to work more closely with the members to inspire them to do missionary work because they know a lot more non-members than we do. Good things will continue to happen. For example, Joanne was able to finish her family history for her mother and grandparents. She is becoming quite the detective and really enjoys family history. Unfortunately, she was confused about meeting locations and wasn't able to attend the temple, but she has her recommend and is looking forward to going next month.

This last week we had departing testimonies (meaning we get up in front of half the mission and bear our testimonies). I was reflecting before to prepare, and what came to mind is the departing testimonies of those missionaries who went before me. I want to share some of those insights with you, and how they relate to my mission experience.

Elder Joliffe spoke about how he was excited to go home, but wished he would have put more effort in the work earlier (he wouldn't have wished to go home at the beginning of his mission). I took his counsel to heart and tried to serve with my full heart, might, mind, and strength. It doesn't mean I was always perfect, but I strive to enjoy missionary work. I feel like Moroni as his father told him in Moroni 9:6 to labour till the end diligently. Missionary work is fun, and if it is not, you’re doing something wrong.

Elder Holman spoke about how he had a powerful experience near the beginning of his mission to know this is where he needed to be. I too feel similarly. There are two experiences that come to mind, and I know those had an impact on the rest of my mission.

Elder Eliason stated he fell in love with The Book of Mormon. I too have gained a greater appreciation for those inspired words. Just this morning, I finished it for the third time since coming on a mission. By reading it, I am able to feel the Spirit and receive guidance for my own life. Furthermore, I am excited to read it again. It is one book that I don’t think I will ever get sick of.

Elder Hughes told us to repent if we wanted to go home. I feel a mission is a wonderful blessing. The things I have learned such as charity, recognising the Spirit, wisdom, and so much more are irreplaceable. The friendships I have made will last forever. That is what Louisa told me as we spoke about going to the temple on Saturday. (I am looking forward to being able to attend with her; it is the first time she has gone in over 30 years. I couldn't ask for a better ending.) I recognize there is a time and a season for everything, and I have loved my time and season of being a full-time missionary in the EMM (England Manchester Mission).

And the part from my departing testimony is the heart. I got up to speak not really sure what I was going to say, but then I was inspired. The Spirit reminded me of the importance of the heart. We need to open our hearts to love the people around us. Our hearts continue to grow each and every day as we meet new people and allow them into our lives. Openness and honesty are great blessings that show love for the people around you. Additionally, when we use our heart and our mind together, we can learn that much more. We gain wisdom rather than just knowledge.

This week we also went to zone leader council. It was very exciting, especially because they showed us a campaign the church will be doing in London because of The Book of Mormon musical going there. Also, they spoke about how the UK is the head of the growth of the church in Europe. I am glad that I have been able to be a part of that growth for these past 18 months, and I will continue to be a part of that no matter how close or far I am.

Hope all you all have a great week!

Love always, Becca

p.s. I hope you enjoyed my British spelling this time around.

p.p.s. Here are the photo descriptions:

1. Sister Crookston and I went and did a work out with some of the elders headed by one of the YSA that is studying to be a personal trainer. I don't think I've worked out that much since track/cross country in high school...

2. We went out for some burgers! It's a cute little restaurant in the village we live. It was delicious :)

3. Sports day. Dodge ball anyone?