A Mission

Shortly after I had been home from my mission a sister who had served in the Iowa Des Moines Mission had posted the following poem to a IDMM facebook page.  I don't know who it is by or where the sister found the poem, but I like how it sums up the feelings of a mission.

"A mission is a strange experience
It is a trial and a test.
A mission throws at you the worst
Yet, teaches you the best.
I've never been so happy,
I've never been so depressed.
I've never felt so forsaken,
I've never felt so blessed.
I've never been so confused,
Things have never been so clear.
I've never felt my Heavenly Father so distant,
He's never been so near.
I've never been so discouraged,
I've never been so full of hope.
I feel I could go on for forever,
I think I've come to the end of my rope.
I've never had it quite so easy,
I've never had it quite so tough.
Things have never been so smooth,
Things have never been so rough.
I've never traveled through more valleys,
I've never ascended more peaks.
I've never met so many nice people.
I've never met so many freaks!
I've never had so many ups,
I've never had so many downs.
I've never worn so many smiles,
I've never had so many frowns.
I've never been so lonely,
I've never had so many friends.
BOY, I hope this is over soon,
GOSH, I hope this never ends."

Sister Morris, Amy Maxfield, her son, Sister Chirinos 12/6/2014

Every mission is so individualized and personal.  No one will ever experience the same exact mission that I was able to experience.

I love the people of Iowa and Illinois.  I am grateful for the tender experiences that I had that helped strengthen my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sister Chirinos, Greg Hyatt, Sister Morris 12/13/2014

My Savior lives! He loves each of His children and wants all of His children to come follow Him! The Gospel is real and helps us become more like our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I will forever be grateful for the opportunity I had to be a representative of Jesus Christ, as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!

Sister Chirinos, Tommy Coffin, Carlie Coffin, Sister Morris 12/20/2015