Follow-up: A Sister Missionary Comes Home

[Dear Readers,

Nearly three years ago I got a letter from a sister who asked about "How to Have a Great Mission". (You can read the original post HERE.) She had two concerns. One was how to make sure she got the most out of her mission; two was what to do about a young man she had fallen in love with.

Below is the follow-up to her story.

- Bro Jo]



Dear Bro Jo,

I returned from my mission last night - it was the best experience of my life. Thank you so much, for the wonderful advice.

Hermana



Dear Hermana,

Welcome home!

Sister Jo and I are both proud of you, and are thankful for your willingness to serve.

Where did you go? What made your experience so wonderful?

And whatever happened with "that guy"?

When you get the chance, we'd love to hear more.

For now, welcome home!

- Bro Jo



* * * 11 Months Later * * *


Dear Bro Jo,

I went to San Jose, California (Spanish-speaking!). You were right, I'm not sure if you remember, but you had mentioned to me that a mission is not all dancing flowers and singing trees.

What made it wonderful was putting my heart into it, and the people I met and loved. What made it wonderful was never wanting to leave, then coming home and seeing my family again, and beginning to realize the millionth part of how worth it it was.

I wish I could say I made my mission wonderful, but the wonderful part wasn't me. It's like Ammon said, "Blessed be the name of our God; let us sing to his praise, yea, let us give thanks to his holy name, for he doth work righteousness forever."

Believe it or not, that same guy was still here when I came home. We're deeply in love, and we'll be married in the Cardston, Alberta temple in August.

Thanks again!

- Hermana Getting Married



Dear Hermana,

Congratulations!

We wish you an eternity of happiness,

-  Bro Jo  and Sister Jo



[Readers,

Life doesn't always work out exactly this way; but the Lord always blesses us for our sacrifice and service.

I suspect there's much to be learned from the stuff Hermana doesn't write, the stuff that happens during the 11 months between emails. It reminds me that things are on the Lord's time table, not ours.

Hope you enjoyed the follow-up!

Cheers,

- Bro Jo