To my family

HIYA!!!!!!! 

Oh, how I wish I could be there to speak with you in person and give each of you a GINORMOUS hug!! (This is the moment when you turn to the person closest to you and give them a hug for me.) 

SO. Scotland! I'm sure you all know how beautiful it is, so I wont even try to explain the green (or the rain.) What I what to share though is how beautiful these people are. Each and every day, I get up before 6:30 am, exercise, prepare, and study the scriptures. I go out from 10 am to 9 pm trying to speak to people about a very personal subject and try and teach what my faith has to share. I meet people every day who are loud and fast-talking, and could go on without a breath for an extended period of time. There are people who couldn't be bothered to even acknowledge us, and there are people you wonder if they were raised by ogres. But then you meet one person--and it only takes one person--every day that makes it all worthwhile. 

Scottish people are so special and unique, and I know I was meant to come here for a reason. I have learned SO MUCH in the 3+ months I have been a missionary. It has been a trial for me to learn how to stop and talk to people about something that means so much to me, all the while doubting if I am really capable. What I have learned the most here though, is how every single person has a struggle. In my position, my companion and I build relationships of trust, and as you speak with people, and get to know them, you see a glimpse of how their souls are burdened. But you also get a glimpse of how God sees them. I know God looks at us and sees how our trials will refine us, and how our burdens can be made light through Jesus Christ. Seeing others in this way helps me to leave my personal doubts behind and desire to reach out and lift others in love and faith. 

I wish I could take you with me, just for a day, and show you the experiences I am having. Falkirk, Stirlingshire, Scotland is a great place. I didn't exactly think so when I first got here, but some very special people helped me see the light. 

I want you to know that I know GOD LIVES. I know Jesus Christ is the Son of God and Savior of the World. I know that God is our literal Heavenly Father and that He has created a Plan of Happiness that provides a way for our family to be together forever.

I know not all of you believe exactly the things I do, or practice daily these things I teach, but the most important thing to always remember is that God is there for you, and that He loves ALL of us. If I can only do one thing in this fleeting time as a full-time missionary, I hope that I can at least extend that love that God has given me for these people. 

I know all things are possible with God. My faith is firm, and I know that we will all live again with Him one day.

This is my testimony, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you all dearly, and I hope you all have adventures together this day and this week! Tell me about them! My Mom can give you my email address ;)

Love,

Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick

Sept 26, 2014