Happy Fourth of July - 07/02/12

Happy 4th of July to everybody! I'm enjoying the mission still.

It seems I'm still not completely living in the present. It hit me that I will have to leave this area eventually, and I probably won't see the friends I've made here ever again. That really bums me out. It also hurts a little bit to see Elder Gowers packing up stuff to send home so it will be there when he gets there. I think I'm pretty well trained already, but it's weird to think of doing missionary work without him. I joke about how I've used all my good-companion-points already, and the rest of my companions won't measure up.

It's surprising to me the close friendships I've made out here. I really, really love a lot of the ward members that I work with on a regular basis. I know that the Lord has put me in a good place. He truly knows me.

It's also a bit surprising who I haven't heard from since I've been out here. The people that have written me are pretty faithful, and they have my gratitude.

I know I shouldn't be thinking as much about life after mission, but it's hard not to daydream about visiting California after the mission. I try not to worry about how I'll get a job and get my education after my name tag is removed, but I do think about it sometimes.

I had a pretty cool thought in Sacrament meeting yesterday. In Ezekiel 10, we learn about how the Savior will be coming from the East to enter into his house. This is why the angel Moroni points east on all of the temples except Nauvoo, which points towards Salt Lake. But even on the Nauvoo temple, the ceremonial entrance, which says HOLINESS TO THE LORD, THE HOUSE OF THE LORD, is pointing east. Jesus Christ will enter his house through that door. When he comes, we may be sitting in the temple wearing white. White, because our garments will be pure through the blood of the lamb, as mentioned in Alma 12. But Christ will not be wearing white in his temple. He will be wearing red, as told in Isaiah 63. How wonderfully symbolic and meaningful those little details are.

I love you guys, and hope you have fun at the reunion without me. Love you tons! All of you!