I just want to start off by saying thank you. Like
mother like son... I don't know why, but I am getting kind of emotional typing
this letter... I am such a girl! Or should I say Sister... But no really, thank
you for all that you guys have done for me for the past two years. All the
emails (you guys only missed one the whole mission!!), (In my defense I didn't miss one but we only chatted one of the weeks, no "formal" email was sent. Dang-it! So he still heard from us.) and numberless packages
that saved my life at the start of my mission, and I am not even going to name
everything, because that would take too long, and I couldn't express
my appreciation in a typed letter. So I'll just try and do it in
person.. TRY! Because all you guys have already done so much for me over the
past two years, and I am forever grateful!
For the last email, I would like to state some of the
things that I am going to miss the most about the mission. Number one, easily
without a doubt is the people. I have grown to love the people of Togo so much.
Heck, I consider myself half Togolese now. The day that the assistants come and
pick me up will be a sad day. I feel like a part of me is going to die when I
leave this country... I have grown so close to these people, and I am
going to miss them so much. The second thing I am going to miss here is
surprisingly, I didn't think that I would ever say it, is the food! I am going
to miss the food so much. All the different kinds of pate and sauces
and Ivorian food as well. America really needs to up its cultural status
with its food choices.. The third is beautiful African women.. Oh my gosh...
They are so beautiful.. I can't even explain to you how
amazingly gorgeous they all are. Like if Africa wasn't so far away..
Ahhhh!!! Dang-it. Ah well.
The biggest thing of all that I am going to miss, is
preaching this gospel as a 24/7 full time job. What better way to spend someone’s'
life than preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ? I cannot wait to go on a
mission with my wife when we are all old and stuff... I AM going to do that. I
promise. As crazy as some of our amis may be, I am going to miss them a ton.
All the weird questions, the hot, seemingly endless lessons sitting on bricks
in the sun, trying to speak French with a people that don't really speak French,
I know that I am going to miss it all. I already kind of am...
The mission has changed my life, for the better. It
was easily the hardest two years of my whole entire life. But at the same time
it was the most uplifting and memorable two years of my life as well. I told
all the missionaries that I was jealous that they were staying here to continue
the work of the Lord. Of course all of them laughed and thought I was joking,
and I have to admit a part of me was joking, but in reality, I was really
telling the truth. I am not the same person that you left on the MTC curb two
years ago... I am not the same 18 year old kid that went to Bountiful High
School. But I really am a new person. And I thank heavenly Father every single
day for the opportunity that he has given me to serve among the people here in
Togo and Benin. (But more so Togo... haha)
If I had to make a list of all the things that I have
learned on the mission and send it to you that would take a long time.. Even
though I do plan on doing that on the plane ride home... But I would like to
list just a few of some really major things that I have learned on the
mission.
1- The importance of the priesthood in the lives of
everyone on this earthy. And the difference between the authority of the
Priesthood and the power of the Priesthood.
2- The importance of humility. I have a LONG way to
go with being more like my Savior in this aspect, but I have really understood
now the importance of it, and how it can bless you and others as well.
3- The importance of Scripture Study. Before the
mission, I didn't read the Book of Mormon... Ever. And I hate myself for that!
It is the best book on this earth! And I have learned to love it so much and to
study the things that are written therein. Equally said about the Bible... Put
two and two together, and you have got one amazing gospel.
4- The importance of the Atonement in my life. I
can't even start to express my love for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I will
forever be in debt to Him for doing what He did for me. I am so upset that it
will have been three weeks till I get to take the sacrament again... Yesterday
was Stake Conference, next Sunday I will be in Chicago, and then that next
Sunday I will be able to... Jesus Christ lives. That is something that I cannot
doubt.
The mission changes people. Not only did it change
me, but it changed the lives of SO many people here in Togo and Benin. I have
seen miracles accomplished here on the mission. And I know that every single
one of them was accomplished by the unwavering faith of the people that wanted
to know nothing but the truth. The gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I will
never, ever be able to fall away from this church. Ever. It is just too true.
There is not one fault about it. The gospel of Jesus Christ is perfect. Christ
is perfect. And thanks to His atoning sacrifice, we may one day as well,
be perfect as He and our heavenly Father are. The Church is true. This is the
work of the Lord, and it will never be stopped.
Thank you again for everything that you have done for
me over the past two years. You guys really are the best, friends and family. I
love you all. The next time I will be talking to you guys will be face to
face... So... That is going to be pretty awesome! All I want when I get home
that Sunday night is all your company, and some of mom’s fresh baked, chocolate
chips cookies with a side of REAL milk! Like from a cow. Not a goat or a human
(ew). That would be a sick joke. Okay, I love you all!!! See you soon :)
As of the next week,
Elder Landon Dean Layton
*He told me that Sunday's making of Togo's 1st Stake was, "A totally awesome experience!" I'm sure we will hear all about it this weekend.
*I asked him if the 2 years have gone by fast, or slow, or both and he said, "Sooooo fast!" and I would agree with him.
No comments:
Post a Comment