My DEAREST Family!
The time has come!
Transfer calls came this morning and the zone leaders said those
dreaded words "Sister Layton, you are... Going home!🏠 And it's up to
you to find your new companion.👫" -__- thanks elders. Not.
Welllllllll I'm not really sure what to say here? It's impossible to
say how I feel about my mission. I've loved serving with the Lord,
Jesus Christ SO MUCH.
For so long I fought with coming home and denied the fact that the day
would, in fact, come. But guess what, it came!
Leaving New York might just be the hardest thing I do as a missionary.
Crazy NYC and Long Island will always hold a sacred place in my heart,
this is my holy ground haha. This is where I enjoyed my first journey
of discipleship. This is where my understanding became more clear and
my perspective more eternal.🌃
When I landed here last summer I only BELIEVED, but on Wednesday I
will fly home KNOWING. I know this gospel is true!!!
I'm grateful for every person I've met and every situation I've faced.
For the people who accepted us and recognized us as servants of
Christ. The people who rejected us and slammed doors in our faces. The
times I felt like giving up, like I wasn't good enough. The times I
was on fire and saw "success." For each of my companions in our ups
and downs. I'm grateful for every experience, whether big or small,
and the moments that shaped me to be the servant Christ had in mind
for me to become. Im grateful for the moments that led me too look up,
to turn to Christ.🙏🏼
Missions are hard. I know, my emails might make it sound like a piece
of cake because I've LOVED every part of my mission. But as happy as
I've been, I will admit that they're hard haaaaa.
And thank goodness they are. For if my mission was easy, I could have
done it myself. But because it was hard, I knew I couldn't do it
alone. I knew I could only endure it with Christ's help. The things
I've felt and experienced here have drawn me to rely on my Savior and
his Atonement. Which I will continue to do for the rest of my life! It
is impossible to live happily without Christ at the center of our
lives.
I have found TRUE HAPPINESS while participating in the work of
salvation. I've come to know what really matters while serving the
people of New York. I've felt peace as I've realized I am, and forever
will be a representative of Christ.
I will miss walking around with my little black tag inviting people to
change their lives. I will miss being at the front lines. I will miss
teaching people, inviting them to act, and witnessing their lives
change as they apply the simple gospel of Jesus Christ. I will miss
the people here... Oh how I will miss the people.😭 I'll even miss the
craziness of New York itself! I love this melting pot.🎎🇦🇷🇱🇹🇺🇸🇲🇽🇮🇹🇯🇵
But in the past few days I've felt more than ever before that going
home is not the end!! This is simply a beginning. A new chapter. A new
life committed to Christ! My part in the work of salvation doesn't end
here, my responsibility just becomes a little bit different. But I
will keep fighting in whatever way the Lord asks until the work is
done and he comes again.
The departing missionaries were able to attend the temple together
this week. It was amazing! As I sat in the celestial room and gave an
accounting to the Lord for the work I've done this past year and a
half. I felt satisfied knowing that my work was accepted, that no
effort is wasted! The happiness in the room was surreal.
And finally, after I felt my work was accepted, I felt at peace with
coming home as the spirit told me "it's time, you're needed
elsewhere."
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith."
I know that God is our Father. I know He lives and loves us. I know
Christ is our Savior and that his church, which is led by prophets and
apostles has been restored to the earth. I know the Book of Mormon is
true and I can't wait to read it with YOU. I also can't wait to hold a
baby, eat cafe rio, and see the mountains, but that's besides the
point.👶🏼
See you Wednesday! 👏🏼 Thanks for your support and prayers :)
With love, for the last time
-Sister Layton❤️
Pics:
-Temple trip
-WE HAD A MIRACULOUS SABBATH WITH F AND J. after a long
battle with another church, J decided he wants to be
baptized with priesthood authority in November! Hallelujah!
-C made it to church with the kids! I've been working with her
since I got to South Shore. HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY DAY. they LOVED IT and
will be back!
6 Attachments
