Here's to a Great Chapter

Hi, Its me.  So, I am home.   Crazy how time flies, no?  I wanted to write a final mission based blog post (because maybe I'll continue with the blog thing) and thank all those who supported, prayed, wrote and just loved me.  I honestly felt so loved and supported.  THANK YOU.  I wouldn't say that much has changed in good ol' Syracuse or in my family and friend circle.  They are pretty much the same, just taller, wiser, and even more amazing people.  I have felt so blessed in these past few days as friends and family have stopped by to say hello and catch up.  I realize that 18 months isn't very long and just spending time with a marvelous family makes me feel like I haven't been gone.

Well what can I say?  There are so many beautiful and inspiring things I could share.  My mission was the best thing that has ever happened to me.   I served in Peru and MAN! I just love Peru.  The people are loving and open and the culture is so so so  beautiful.  Every area had a different charm and a different lesson. I learned so many things that I don't think I will ever be able to explain.  Peru has become apart of me that I don't think will ever go away.  It has completely changed my outlook on everything and I can't possibly express what I feel.   I don't think I changed to much, hopefully I am better.  I think if anythings changed its a greater desire to be a better disciple of Christ.  You know, we all chose to come down to this earth.  We chose to follow Christ and obey Him.  We have unfortunately forgotten and that's why we are here... to remember.  As we remember we realize that we have a choice: to be passive followers of Christ or be passionate ones.  And I think overall that's what I learned.  Anyone can be a passive followes of Christ.  We can say that we love Him and that we have faith in Him and then we can lay back in our lazy-boy recliner and watch the world go by (which I am totally guilty of) or we can be passionate about the Gospel and honor our Savior with our actions by applying His Atonement.  And thats super difficult and it takes a lifetime of becoming that kind of disciple but the good news is that we can!  Christ and Heavenly father are on our team and they've promised to help us.  It'll take all we have and it will take all our time, but the reward is eternal life.     Becoming a true disciple isn't easy but I was taught a statment that made it simple.  Go with the PROS. Prayer. Read. Obedience. Service.   If we do these things we will feel the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives and then we will be guided by the hand and taught the ways of our Savior and Redeemer.  Nobodies perfect.  I have a long way to go, but the Lord blesses us for trying and after all we can do He will give us His grace and we will be eternally grateful to Him and His wonderful plan.   I feel honored to be able to serve the Lord.  I am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for letting me serve Him.  It was nothing that I did, I was only the hands of the Lord.  I saw miracles and truly felt the love that God has for each of his children.  I didn't take a detour, it was part of my life's journey and I know the path that I am on will continue to take me where the Lord wants me to go.   Love you all.
                   Con amor,
                                      Emma :)