WEEK 59: And That's a Wrap

*This email was supposed to send on Monday but it sent late. I have arrived home safe and sound*

Wow this week has left me speechless. So much has happened in such little time.

We went from business as usual on Tuesday to reduced proselytizing time on Wednesday to quarantine on Friday to shorter mission times on Saturday and then officially sending missionaries home on Sunday.

Sooo I've packed all my bags and I'm heading over to the office to get my ticket to Sao Paulo and then LAX and then Dallas and then Arkansas.

What can I say... I love Brazil. I'll always cherish the memories and friends and stories I experienced here. I didn't realize it was going to be this hard to say these goodbyes and leave this beautiful country behind. A part of me is definitely still in Brazil.

But hey, that's life. Things change in an instant and we learn to adapt.

Throughout these events this past week, I've been thinking a lot about D&C Section 4, which talks about missionary work. It's the "O ye that embark" scripture. It struck me in a new way this week. I realized that even though my mission time in Brazil was a year and two months instead of two years, I can actually say I gave it my all. My full 100%.

I put my heart into everything and discovered how to enjoy the journey on my mission.

My perspectives changed. I realized how important families really are, how important smiling is, and how beautiful the world truly is beyond our convenient day-to-day lives.

Friends, I love Brazil, I love mission work, I love life, and I love you all. All of you who have been keeping up and supporting me for the past 14 months. I love you and am grateful for each and every one of you. :)

Cherish every moment. Do things you've never done before. And love them.

With love... one last time from

Elder Young

PICS:

1-4) Elder Godinez's 20th bday

5) Me as a Guatemalan

6) A dope member in Taguatinga we had lunch with a while back

7) Saying goodbye to Pres Ricardo & his fam

8) The only pic I took of my new Venezuelano trainee, Elder Gil. He's behind me in the pic. I only had one day with him then they sent us all home.

9-11) All the Americans in the mission chillin in the office before we go home

12) Flying to Sao Paulo

13) Airport viewz