Starting to say goodbye.

For the first time today it felt like reality set in. I am going home. It's quite depressing actually (don't take that the wrong way family. I still love you.) and I am feeling really overwhelmed about having to leave all the things I have learned to love here. My Spanish Branch is one of those things. After being a member of their branch for only three months I have increased my appreciation for The Gospel and for the many, many blessings that it provides God's children. There is so much love in my ward and the members live rich and full lives while still having very little financial means to raise their families on. It makes me excited to live the law of consecration.

Today we said goodbye to Nylene, the only other primary teacher besides me and Claudia. She is going back to Peru tomorrow because she came here to learn English and her visa has run out. Today Claudia, the primary president, bought all the kids big chocolate easter eggs, even though I know she struggles to make ends meet at her house and probably had to sacrifice a little to provide such a gift. She bought me one too. Today I met the Stake President of the Wandsworth stake and felt the power of the priesthood. When I shook his hand I knew he loved and cared for the members of his stake. Today Mariah, who had the largest hissy fit in church last week, sat still for two straight hours and listened long enough to learn about baptism. And even though I ask her over and over again "How old do you have to be to get baptized?" and she always answers, "Six!" she was able to tell me what baptism by immersion was. Pretty good for a four year old. Today when Claudia kissed both my cheeks and asked "When do you leave for home?" and I told her two weeks she asked "You're going to come back someday right?" I ached because I didn't have an answer. Today I wanted to cry as I left the Peckham Chapel because I only have one more Sunday there. It's going to be a sad goodbye.

Christina shared this quote tonight at devotional: "Worry is the anticipation that the outcome will be bad. Faith is the anticipation that the outcome will be good. Faith in Christ is the understanding that whatever the outcome, it will be for our eternal good!" I'm going to try to keep that in mind as finals are fast approaching.

The Church is true.