Chapter 98: Glory in the Lord

"I know that which the Lord hath commanded me, and I glory in it. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in that which the Lord hath commanded me; yea, and this is my glory, that perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy."

Alma 29:9

This week I felt in ways I haven't ever before. I am completely in awe at how God has orchestrated this past week in a way for everything to happen how it did. It has been the most fulfilling week of my mission and of my life; truly a capstone experience in the wall of my mission in all its rugged, intricate beauty.

I have realized that I am leaving. That truth is something that has finally hit me. In the stillness of the night I have struggled with racing thoughts and difficult emotions about leaving my mission. I feel here I have become someone and I fear at home I will become no one. In sacred conversations, I have expressed to my Father these feelings and I have been blessed with peace. Somehow, leaving will be okay.

This week we had moves planning as it is peak season and we need to order tickets earlier than normal to ensure a smooth moves next transfer. It was great to be in Edinburgh for a few days with the other Elders and to welcome Elder Klintworth, Seidel, and Helmrich back to the mission home for their own, separate visits. To be reunited with old friends and to make plans to see each other at University in the fall was wonderful.

I packed my bags this week for home. We are in the highlands all this week and won't be back until late Saturday evening. I will leave Monday morning to the Tri-Cities. It felt odd to move my mission into my suitcases, seeing just how little I have and yet how much it all means to me.

On Tuesday evening, the McCruddens had us for dinner which was just incredible. I could listen to their stories for hours and hours, and when I am privileged to I learn so much for their experiences. On Wednesday, Elder and Sister Madsen took us and Sister King out to Pomo for dinner one last time before I return home. They are incredible people. Thursday evening, we went with Sister Escamilla and enjoyed Makars, the best restaurant in Edinburgh, and enjoyed her unparalleled company and humor.

On Friday afternoon after lunch with Angus and Frederich, Elder Draney and I took off to Aberdeen to begin the last round of our exchanges. It was incredible to be in Aberdeen again, as it always is for me. I don't know what it is about the city, but I do know I had some of the greatest experiences of my mission there. I loved being out on the streets and going door to door trying to help people understand the importance of the gospel of Jesus Christ, something I wasn't able to do due to COVID when I served here before. Also, by some miracle, over the time I was there, I was able to meet with every single convert I worked with when I served here 16 months ago. It was truly humbling to see each of them and spend time reflecting on how the past year and a half have helped us see the hand of the Lord in our lives, stretching and refining us into who we have become. I was able to bear testimony to each of them, and they did the same for me.

Another truly special experience I had this week in Aberdeen was being able to participate in the ordination of my friend, Stevie, to the Melchizedek Priesthood. Stevie is someone who responded to an online Book of Mormon advertisement I put out when I served here 16 months ago. Me and my companion, Elder Walker went over to his apartment and taught him about the Book of Mormon and the Restoration of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in one of the most memorable lessons of my mission. He was just searching for truth, and expressed to us how he had found it. He was baptized a few months after I left Aberdeen, and now, by pure divine happenstance, I happened to be in the right place at the right time to participate in his ordination. It was a sacred experience for me for sure. I do not glory of myself, but I glory in the Lord and his plan for me.

I am about to enter the final week of my mission, and above all the chaos of emotions inside of me, I feel a serene and permeating peace. I am excited to enjoy the Highlands and Islands these last few days in this beautiful land, participating in the beautiful work of salvation.

Life is good.

God is wise.

Don't give up.

Elder Childers