The End of the Line

Wow, I can't believe it. I go home this week.

Honestly, it still doesn't feel real to me. I don't really have words to describe it, the only things that come to my mind are all of the cliches that RM's always say, like, "the best 2 years", and "my mission was the best experience of my life" and "I am going to miss this so much.." I wish I had better words to describe how I feel right now, but I can't put this feeling into words.. I guess I'll try.

The mission has been the biggest growing experience of my life. There have been challenges and trials, but I can truly say that I have seen the hand of the Lord in all that I have been doing as a missionary here, in both the good times and the bad. I have come to know the Lord personally here in the mission. He loves me; He loves each and every one of us. He gave His life for us. He will sustain us in our trials and tribulations, He wants us to be happy. I've learned more about His perfect life by reading the scriptures, and wearing a name tag with His name on it has been the biggest blessing of my life. I have loved my two years of missionary service, and I am going to miss this dearly.

I'm going to miss the people of Bolivia so, so much. They have been so kind, so loving, so accepting. They are willing to sacrifice everything for us, even if it is almost nothing at all. They are so humble and meek. I have learned so much from them.

To any who are trying to decide if they should serve a mission, I invite you to pray and ask our Heavenly Father if this is what you should do. But I add my testimony that there is nothing more important than missionary work. The gospel message is something that everybody needs, and the Lord blesses His messengers like you can't even imagine.

God lives! This is the church of His Son, Jesus Christ. The Book of Mormon is another testament of His divinity, and we will draw nearer unto Him by following its precepts. Joseph Smith, as the divinely inspired translators of that marvelous book was a prophet of God, and I know that Russell M. Nelson is God's chosen prophet today. This is a church of joy! Let us be happy in all that what we do, for that is what the Lord wants.

Thank you so much for all of your love and support these past 2 years! I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Love, Elder Christian Duvall Newman.

Dad, you are so right. The mission has been the biggest growing experience ever. Hope you are feeling better from your sinus infection! Love you so much Dad, can't wait to see you!!!

Mom, I'm excited to take the boat out and see that new Spiderman! I can't wait to see you too. You are so right, it's time for our family to be together again. Love you Mom, see you soon!! And yes, you get the first hug in the airport.

Callie, I am so excited to see you too! That's so fun that you got to do a sleep over with the cousins, and go on fun hikes! Love you tons Callie!!!!

Emma, LAST LETTER YEET!!! That's fun that you work with one of your drill girls, THANK YOU FOR WAITING TO SEE SPIDEY WITH ME!! Love you Emma, see you soon!!!

Sarah, I can't week to play 9 square with you too!! Nice job in your sports. Can't wait to talk to you too! Love you Bear!!

Jackson, nice job at work and on getting out with the missionaries!! Sounds like you had a super fun week! Concerts, mission reunions, and church! SEE YA SOON!!! Love you bro!!

Mom’s Questions:

1. What is your schedule for your last week? When do you go to the mission home and what do you do with the mission president and other missionaries going home in the time before going to the airport? 

I will be visiting converts with Elder Mortensen until Wednesday, then I have a training, my final interview, a testimony meeting that day, and Thursday morning I head off!

2. What food are you going to miss most from Bolivia? 

Picante de Pollo

3. What stands out as your most memorable experience from your time on your mission? 

That is a very tough question, I will consult my journal and answer it back home. ;)