The Final Ride

481 days ago, I stepped off the airplane, welcomed by my amazing mission president and his wife, thinking, "What in the world had I gotten myself into?"


I met my trainer, Sister Johnsen, the next day. She told me she was from Holladay, Utah, and in that moment, I knew God was aware of me, and that everything was going to be just fine.


My first full day in the mission, we drove 30 minutes to district council where I walked in and asked two elders if they were both my district leader. (SMH) They laughed and explained that there was only one, but two zone leaders. The first thing I said was, "How fast does it go?" One elder looked at me and said, "Don't blink."


Now here I am entering my final 6 weeks, wondering where the heck the time has gone. I don't want this to end.


We found out transfer news... I will be finishing my mission here in Waukee and am staying with Sister Kinghorn. I am so happy! There's no better place I would want to conclude this journey in, but also no better person I would want to conclude it with! Love you, Sister King James


This week we felt inspired to knock on a specific door, and James answered. He told us that he met with missionaries 10-15 years ago and was interested in learning more. We came back and were able to answer a lot of questions he had.


These past 6 weeks, we have been grinding, trying to find people to teach. I feel like that's been a major theme in my mission—finding. Nothing brings you more joy, and nothing makes you feel more fulfilled than finding someone who wants to know the truth.


The Lord blessed us with 6 people this week that all said they were interested in coming to church. People are always being prepared. We have to trust the Lord and open our mouths. I have seen so many miracles as I have just opened my mouth, even when it's uncomfortable and especially when it's hard.


Me and Sis K read a talk/letter by Elder Holland, and I love this quote: "Plan right now! Plan right now for the stories you will tell your children about your mission. Live right now in every way to look them in the eye and put them on your knee and rock them on your lap and tell them as I am telling you, that you loved every day of your mission. That you worked your head off! That you've never worked so hard in your life. That you were tired and sweaty and dirty and hungry and you knew how Paul felt and you knew how Peter felt and you knew how Mormon felt and you knew how Moroni felt. And I promise you that your children will remember and never forget it, and they will cherish it and hold it dear for their mission and so the generations go."


There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about the stories my dad shared with me about his mission. I now understand the way he felt and why he talks about it so much. I'm forever grateful for those stories that lead me on a mission.


I have loved every day of my mission. Not because it's been easy, but because I've never been so committed to something, and I've never worked so hard.


Being a missionary every day is worth it.


A quote I love from President Ballard is: "Remember the blood of prophets flows in your veins."


I love my mission because there's never been a time in my life where I have felt closer to Joseph Smith, or Moroni, or Mormon, or all the prophets who so willingly sacrificed their time and their effort to share the gospel.


I have never felt closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ than these past 16 1/2 months.


Nothing brings me more joy than representing Jesus Christ, especially during the Christmas season.


I have felt so overcome with emotion lately but especially for my Savior and knowing His precious life that He gave so willingly, so humbly for you and for me.


He is perfect. He is precious. He is my brother. He is my Savior. But most importantly, he is my best friend.


I'm so grateful I have 6 more weeks to declare the truth to those that are ready, to those who are seeking.


I love this gospel; I have loved nothing more in my entire life than getting to share the love of the Savior to those around me.


Remember Him this Christmas season. He loves you, I love you


My heart is honestly just breaking at this point. If you have any advice for me, please let me know!!!


Love, Sister Liljenquist







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