My Dearest Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,
As I look at this large, blank page.... and contemplate the past 18 months.... I can barely picture the multiplicity of The Lord's tender mercies.
From Edinburgh to Limerick to Dundee..... and back to Limerick again, haha! I have treasured my mission above all experiences in my life.
For my investigators--Thank you for teaching me love, patience, and the reality of the Spirit. Thank you for listening and giving me the opportunity to teach you. I have greater love for you than I could possibly express. I have grown more from my interactions with you than from anything else. I wish you knew how much Heavenly Father truly loves you--He's blessed me with a portion of that love and let me tell you--it is GREAT.
For my members--you were my family away from home. I don't think you realize how you were truly ministering angels for me and my companions. I will miss you, and saying good-bye really sucks. But I'll be back--my love for you will bring me back to these beautiful isles. You made a difference in my life and how I view active, earnest, engaged membership in the church and in the home. Many of your examples will be incorporated into the rest of my life. Please, don't forget me. x
My fellow missionaries--KEEP GOING. The Work of Salvation carries on, until the Savior comes and says "the work is done!" I have learned SO SO SO SO much from each one of you! You all are exemplary, and the potential you have is out of this world! I love you all, for keeping me going when the world and the whirl-winds would keep me down--your outstretched hands lifted me higher than I thought I could reach!
Particularly to my companions: You have been the stability, the testing, the constant friend, the teachers and the students chosen just for me... and I don't think you realize that my companionship with each of you has built me from the ground up. Haha, I always would say--This is so weird! I'm with you as much as I'm with myself! But that constant companionship has taught me so much about the principles of the Gospel, and what you've done for me will benefit my family for years to come.
My friends, particularly those who stayed with me throughout the past year and a half.... thank you for waiting and writing diligently. Thank you for your love and support and all the tenderness you've shown me. I could not repay you any more than you have given me.
Most importantly.... My family.
Thank you for your unconditional love. Thank you for making this possible for me, through all your kind support, prayers, fasting, and temple attendance. Thank you for motivating me to bring the gospel to all the families of the earth. Thank you for teaching me the gospel by example. I can't wait to see you again. I can't wait to spend eternity with you. I appreciate you more than anything, especially being away from you for so long. Central to the Lord's Plan is my family. My service as a missionary has many many purposes, but I hope you see how all of it was for you. I have no words to express the love I have for you.
My Lord, My Father in Heaven, My Saviour, Jesus Christ....
I humbly summit the last 18 months as the greatest, quickest, most effective experience to teach me of the Atonement... the Restoration of the Gospel... The Plan of Salvation... The Gospel of Jesus Christ... of Obedience, Prayer, Scripture Study, and all the commandments, laws, and ordinances which enables all these people I love to be a part of that Kingdom as a family. Our Father's family.
I know the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. Joseph Smith DID in reality see God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is a second witness that confirms the hope of every Christian heart--that Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of God. Through Him, all the children of the earth are blessed, changed, ennobled, and exalted. He is the Messiah who will save us. I know that God has a Plan for me and my family. I know that the blessings of the gospel are for everyone who will choose to receive them. Through faith, repentance, the ordinances of the gospel, and enduring to the end, we will all see our Saviour's face. And once more be held in our Father's arms. I know the Lord's Kingdom on earth is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am humbled to be part of the Lord's Kingdom, and especially to be His servant, and His partner is bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
I Love You All.
Yours,
Sister Mary Ann Kirkpatrick
Scotland/Ireland Mission.
(Ahem... Just So you know, I'll be flying out from Edinburgh airport at 9:00 am. 11 Nov. Arrive in Idaho Falls Airport at 11:00 pm same day. My homecoming should be held the 29 November, 2015 in the Rexburg, West Main Ward, Park Street Chapel. My contact info for home: WinterMoon31@gmail.com; FB: Mary Ann Kirkpatrick; 1 (208) 313-4510)
