week 102: coming home

 

Last picture with the Lone Pine Zone

Hey everyone,

Well, the last week flew by way too fast!

We put a lot of focus on contacting less active members and we got to talk to quite a few. We set up a lot of stuff for Elder Funk and his new comp. One really cool miracle that happened was when we were looking for this family, the Dahlberg's. We've looked for them a few times and we were walking down the road the address led us to. We ended up talking to a kid that told us he was on the other side of this one road and we went to go check it out. For whatever reason, I made a turn and I really can't explain why. I just did. I was going to flip a u and I saw an area at the end of the road that was big enough to flip around easily. We drive down and we find the house we were looking for! It was a crazy blessing and we were able to talk to brother Dahlberg, who was super friendly and open. 

It's been a good week. We worked hard and Logan is all ready for his baptism on Saturday. I'm a little bummed out I won't be here, but that's OK (besides, we have zoom). It's been a very rewarding area to be in and I'll always love Lone Pine. 

I guess this is the last email... Tomorrow morning we're off to Bakersfield and I'll fly out on Wednesday. It's gone by way too fast. I'm going to miss the mission. My mission wasn't quite what I expected. Ok, that was the understatement of the century. Honestly, it was nothing like what I expected. I am so glad Heavenly Father is the one in charge. He set this up to be the absolute best it could be for me. It hasn't gone perfect, I definitely was never perfect during it, but I've grown so much. The growth, though gradual, has been immense. I wouldn't trade these last two years for anything. 

Final lesson, and this is the most important one. 

Lesson 6-> Jesus Christ is my Savior. Jesus of Nazareth was a real man who walked upon the face of the earth 2000 years ago. More than that, He was the Christ. Christ is a title that means "the anointed one" and truly Jesus was Him. He was chosen before the world to be the savior and the only Begotten Son of God. This meant He could pay the price for our sins. I've seen His power flowing to others all throughout my mission. It is truly miraculous! But the thing I want to focus on is My Savior. I knew Jesus Christ was my Savior before my mission, but now I understand He is. Not just with my mind, but with my heart. I've felt the forgiveness that flows from Christ. I've felt the enabling power of His grace. Like Nephi of old I can say "I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for he hath redeemed my soul from hell". This is the truth, and I glory in it. Jesus redeemed me! He redeemed me so I can live up to my full potential, and one day, I can be like Him. 

9 months in Veracruz, México, 

2 months home, 

Almost 13 months in California,

15 Companions

The privilege of seeing 9 people make their first covenant with God

8 areas 

6 times through the Book of Mormon

Only 4 talks

2 languages

2 Mission Presidents and their wonderful wives 

Phone calls, contacts, lessons, friends, and miracles without end

715 Days

1 Worldwide Pandemic

And most importantly, 1 purpose: becoming a life-long Convert to Jesus Christ

This time, and the experiences within it will define the rest of my life. I am going to be a life long convert to Jesus Christ, my Lord and my Savior. 

I love you all so much, 

Thanks for all the support, 

May God bless you all, 

--Elder Carter Thompson

Logan is getting baptized Saturday!

our 2nd family here in Lone Pine