3 Years

This past Monday marked the 3 year anniversary of my homecoming from serving as a missionary in the Illinois Peoria Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On the day I got home - with our late dog, Lucas (he remembered me!)

I never imagined that I would be a full-time missionary, but during a period of my life when I was feeling particularly unsure about the direction of my life, my bishop at the time suggested that I serve a mission.  Previously, whenever someone would suggest that, I would get a little freaked out - but this time, I knew that it was EXACTLY what I needed to do, and wanted to do with all of my heart.

About 7 months after deciding to serve a mission, I arrived in the Illinois Peoria Mission - which was the best mission in the world (I don't care what anybody else says!).

The plaque outside the mission office.

I never knew corn fields could be so beautiful....

For 18 months, I traveled throughout central Illinois and northeastern Missouri, teaching the AMAZING people there why we're here on the earth, where we came from before we were born, and where we go after this life is through - also known as our Heavenly Father's plan of happiness - which all centers around the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior.  It was the most glorious experience of my life as I grew to love the good people of the towns in which I served, and my Savior who was the reason I was there.  (For more about what Mormons believe, check this out.)

("Gentle Healer" copyright Greg Olsen)

I was blessed to meet the most incredible people, especially my "long-lost twin" Lisa, who was one of the other missionaries with which I served.  She became the best friend that I'd been wanting since my childhood - and she was definitely worth the 20-plus year wait!

(we seriously had so much fun together)

I also had the great blessing of serving under the leadership of President Brent L. Top and his wife, Sister Wendy Top, and serving with other amazing missionaries, like Elder and Sister Rich -

I was blessed to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with some truly amazing people

With Laura on her baptism day

With the Browns - one of the greatest families ever!

There were times when I felt that I didn't quite measure up....

And found myself in some interesting situations....

But "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass", and I witnessed that the tender mercies of the Lord truly ARE over all of his children.
I really can't put it any better than the great missionary Ammon declared in the Book of Mormon:
"Yea, I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in his strength I can do all things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles we have wrought in this land, for which we will praise his name forever."



I can't believe that it was three years ago - twice the length of the mission itself.  It still remains one of the greatest, most cherished experiences in my life.

Three years later, and my mission continues to bless my life in the most amazing ways.  God truly has been so good to me - and so I "will praise his name forever."

"Walk with Me" by Greg Olsen