The End

 Well, this is it. Two full years in serving God. I can't believe it's over. This last week I've been reflecting on my mission and the events I've experienced and who I've become. I'm honestly sad to leave it all behind. I have those memories and will forever cherish them. There will be no more proselyting, zone conferences, district councils, P-Days, exchanges, MLC, or even that dumb device that monitors our cars. It's over. But on the other hand, I'm really excited to see my family again. I'm so torn apart in so many different ways. Las Vegas has become my home. It's cliche but up until now, these have been the best two years of my life.

My completely destroyed shoes

A couple things happened this week. First of all, I had my departing interview with my mission president. It was amazing, a moment I will never forget. We basically just asked each other questions about what's next for me and things like that. He talked about be finding a wife and all that jazz. I told him that was the plan haha. President Nielson has quickly become one of my heroes. What an amazing man. Sister Nielson is just the sweetest person ever. She's been a great leader and friend as well. President Nielson in 40 years has personally studied almost every day. He's only missed enough to count on two hands. He told me he wishes he could say he's never missed personal study but then he told me that I could say that. I have the choice right now. I pray and hope I can say in 40 years I've never missed a personal study. He then gave me a booklet of all the areas I've served in and all my companions, that was nice to see. 

Another amazing thing that happened was bringing a member to our inactive members lessons with the Coleman family. They became best friends and boldly invited them to church again. After 5 years of inactivity, they have now come to church two weeks in a row and then set up an interview with the bishop to get a temple recommend. What a miracle. I'm so glad to see a family return to activity.

All my posterity at transfers

Me attending the temple

We went to Sandy Valley for one of my last days and I had the one of the biggest miracles of my mission. First of all, there was absolutely no reason for us to be in Sandy Valley, we just felt like going. We have no cell service out there and we only have it at the local library in the town. We just happened to be at the right place at the exact right time to receive a referral notification on our phones. That meant someone wants to missionaries to contact them. We called them right away and one of the first things they said on the phone when we called was "wow that was fast". On the other line was Brenda, an amazing lady who had a desire to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints only because of a freak "come to Jesus" moment that led her to us. After a random encounter with senior missionaries the night before, they contacted us and were the ones that sent the referral. Brenda was humbled and was in the prime opportunity to accept the gospel and she for sure needed it. We called her and set up a lesson. We then got to know her and taught the Gospel of Jesus Christ lesson which includes the necessary principles of faith, repentance, and baptism. She expressed how she wanted to be baptized again as an adult and how she really wants to learn more about our church. She was in fact elect. She later told us as we were teaching her about the Holy Ghost she said "wow that's super interesting. You know I experienced that today actually. When you called me and the phone rang, I never answer calls from anybody I don't know but a voice in my head said answer the phone... and now I'm here with you guys". Elder Muraski and I just looked at each other with wide eyes. What an incredible miracle. 

I'm so glad to have served a mission here in Las Vegas. I know God is real. He is our loving Heavenly Father. I know Jesus Christ is the son of God. This is the church of Jesus Christ. It's led by a living prophet. 

Thank you for all the support you have all given me on my mission. Please keep in touch.

Sincerely,

Elder Neil Pack