Elder Justyn Pollock: Week 102 (Last e-mail as a missionary)

Well I'm currently at the end of the last PDay in the mission. It is likely that tonight they call me and tell me to travel to Guayaquil tommorow morning, or possibly Wednesday morning, for a meeting with the president and the other missionaries that are ending their missions, go visit the converts in my past sectors in Guayaquil, and then on Friday I'll be on the plane home. It didn't really feel like it was ending until this Saturday when the zone leaders asked me to give my last testimony in a zone meeting. Of course there are mixed feelings in this week between going home and seeing everyone, and having to say goodbye to everyone and everything here in Ecuador.

It was definitely a great week. I got to see Arturo recieve the priesthood which was way awesome. He has gotten to Alma in the book of mormon (very impressive having in mind we recently came to know him mid-January!) and has in many ways shown that he will be a very faithful member which makes me very thankful that the spirit guided us to find him! The branch president thanked me for my service on Sunday and asked me to bear my testimony at church. We went and talked to cesibels family yesterday to and I said goodbye to everyone there as well.

I'm very happy to be a missionary and that I have been able to be in the Lord's errand for the last 2 years of my life. It has definitely been a life changing experience that I can't communicate well enough with words. I have learned many things that will help me for the rest of my life. In the end I didn't do this for me though. When I think of the people who I have met and been able to help in their lives it brings me joy. I have seen the gospel of Jesus Christ change lives, resolve family problems, and in general bring happiness to people weighed down with challenges. I know this is his church and his work. I'm grateful for what he has done for me, for the opportunity I've had to belong to his church and the many opportunites he has given me to help others. I know that my reedemer, Jesus Christ, lives.

Talk to you all soon!

Elder Pollock