Hello Everyone!
I feel a little bit nostalgic writing tonight. Maybe its the final step I have to take to acclimate myself to the post-mission life. But, surprisingly it feels really good. First of all, thank you everyone who has read about my mission experiences and who have loved and supported me. I have appreciated it so much.
Blogging again is weird because I'm thinking about the last time I blogged and all of the things that have happened since. It's amazing. You know. You've been on this adventure with me as you've read my weekly emails. My mission was the best experience of my life. As I've mentioned before (probably) I knew that my Father in Heaven wanted me to serve a mission and although I was excited to go, it was definitely a sacrifice. But, however much of a sacrifice it was, shortly into my mission I started to understand the deep and personal reasons for why I was called to serve. Now that I've finished I understand even more but I'm sure not completely. Serving the the Lord is the best thing in the world and I hope that we can all continue to find that joy throughout our whole lives whether it be serving at home or abroad.
Well, that was a little side note that turned into not-so-much-of-a-side-note. But, what can I say for the month that I've been home? Its been a roller coaster and definitely comparable to the most difficult times of my mission. But, the constant things are here for me to lean on: the scriptures, prayer, and my wonderful parents! Before leaving my mission, on the last night as my mission president gathered us "dying" missionaries together he gave us some words of advice that I will never forget. He gave us five things to do in order to keep the Spirit in our lives as we commence this new journey. 1)Sincere prayer - especially praying for others 2) Diligent scripture study - why do we have to stop studying for an hour just because we come home? 3) write in and read our journals - especially spiritual experiences 4) Understand and apply the doctrine of the sacrament 5) attend the temple regularly.
Theses have been lifesavers for me and although its been a rocky road, staying close to my Heavenly Father has strengthened me. We are so blessed to be His children!
Well, its been a longer post than planned but basically I just wanted to say "I'm back"!
-Maclaine (I'm beginning to like my name again and am finally able to say it outloud!)
Here are some things that I've been up to the last month:
Hanging out with Grandma
Meeting new cousins
Meeting new cousins
Reconnecting with best friends. This is Jamie and I reliving our Titanic experience. Titanic was the last movie that we watched before Jamie left on her mish almost 2 years ago.
and of course being with the fam.