Best Decision I Ever Made....

Yesterday marked the 5 year anniversary of coming home from my mission in the Canary Islands! My grandma sent me this poem while I was in the MTC. By the end of my mission, I fully appreciated how true it is.

A mission is a strange experience. It's a trial and a test.

A mission throws at you the worst yet teaches you the best.

They told me this would be the best period of my life. But I guess they didn't explain it all too clear.
I came out looking for a bed of roses. I just wasn't expecting all the thorns I've found out here.

Since I've been out 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. My mind has never been so clear.
I've never felt my Heavenly Father so distant. I've never felt him so near.

I've never been so discouraged. I've never been so full of hope.
I feel like I can go forever. I think I've come to the end of my rope.

I've never had it so easy. I've never had it so tough.
Things have never gone so smoothly. Things have never been so rough.

I've never traveled through more valleys. I've never ascended so many peaks.
I've never met so many neat 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 worn so many frowns.

I've never been so lonely. I've never had so many friends.
Man, I hope this is all over with soon.

Gosh, I hope it never ends.

It's because of my mission that I met Phil. So on top of ALL the wonderful blessings and experiences you receive from a mission, I also got my husband. Definitely the best decision ever.

Going with the Elders to visit a family.

Eating fufu with Lewis, probably my favorite person.

Teaching with the Elders. That beautiful background is the Atlantic Ocean. Notice the difference between this island, Gran Canaria and the next:

Island of Fuerte Ventura, or Mars as I liked to call it.

The Arucas cathedral

I saw this sticker far too often, it says, "We are Catholics and we're not going to change religion. Please don't insist. Thank you. Our parents were Catholic, we'll be Catholic forever."