Hello everyone!
I'm feeling all philosophical today, so I decided to give you another
glimpse into the mind of a missionary. Maybe I'm actually crazy and am
the only missionary to actually feel like this, but I have a strong
hunch that it's pretty universal. So, welcome to my thoughts:
Being a missionary is unique. I'm out here, living a life created
around missionary work. It's sporadic and predictable all at the same
time. It's exciting and boring at the same time. It's crazy fun and
crazy hard. It's not rare that I have thoughts about my life back
home, wishing I was there. I'm needed out here in this life though, so
I stay. If it was only for my benefit, you'd better believe I'd be on
the next flight home. But I need to be out here for other people's
benefit. I'm glad to be a part of something in which I am greatly
needed. It helps push through the hard times.
People have always said that a mission is the hardest and best thing
ever- they are so right. I've never felt as alone as I have out here.
I've never felt as abandoned and picked on and hopeless as I have out
here. I've never felt as broken and incapable as I have out here. But
I've never known more clearly how much God loves me. I've never felt
more strongly that Christ is standing by my side. I've never seen
myself more clearly and I've never felt so patient. I've never before
recognized how deeply I can love and be loved. I've never witnessed my
weaknesses and my strengthens so apparent. I've never felt my brother
closer (he died when I was about 5 years old). I've never had such a
clear view of how connected we are to our ancestors. I've never known
this strongly how much I need the gospel in my life and in my family's
lives.
The Lord is hastening His work because we are preparing for the final
days before Christ's second coming. This work of a mission, with it's
trials and great miracles, is not singular to full-time missionaries.
Every member of Christ's church is capable of being a part of this
preparatory work for the Savior. It is not easy, but it is most
definitely worth it. I'm grateful to be used by Heavenly Father to
help accomplish His purposes. I'm grateful to have your examples of
allowing yourselves to be used by Heavenly Father to do his work. I
know that Jesus Christ lives and loves each one of us individually,
I love you all like crazy!
Love, Sister Amber Flower Ricks
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