LAST WEEK

father time seems to either be my worse enemy or my best friend. but either way the timer keeps ticking and its overly strange to think that in just several days i will not be in the central valley of california anymore. this place has become home more than anywhere else.

a large part of my mission i have been honored to go on exchanges with so many inspiring sisters.

they all have so many talents and i am so humbled by how much they give and sacrifice. missionaries truly are incredible. just wanted to give a great big thank you to many sisters i have had the privilege to spend a day or two with. you have taught me so much.

sister...

acker

angimarau

alexander

angavale

bishop

breuer

brinkerhoff

cleverly

dalley

dees

fenton

fleming

gutierrez

hale

jackson

jenson

jolley

johnson

kim

lacusta

landon

langi

line

marroquin

maughan

mclelland

moss

pitcher

repman

roberts

sierra

smith

solomon

spencer

strehlow

vaughan

ward

zenger

and of course an even greater thank you to each of my companions.

you have had to put up with me so many many mornings. i wanted to give let each of you know just how much you have molded me into the person i am. so here are the greatest lessons i learned from each of my amazing companions:

furnell: depend on the lord

wilson: obedience and trust (but umm literally this could be broadened to "everything" ...because literally you taught me everything about how to be missionary. i was spoiled. twice.)

larson: compassion

sellers: unity and selfless service

repman: serve with your whole heart, might, mind, and strength

jackson: love unconditionally

jenson: move forward

langi: testify with your whole soul

now i only served in three areas my whole mission. it was one of the lords most tender mercies. these people have become my rock.

sac. deaf work: 16 weeks

stockton: 31 weeks

lodi: 24 weeks

its so easy to count how many companions, how many areas, how many baptisms, but what i treasure the most are the many many blessings from the lord, the miracles ive seen, the relationships that have deepened, and lessons i have learned, the increase of my faith, the individuals i love. it truly has been a wonderful eighteen months. it has been an honor to have been counted as one of his soldiers.

the truth has been restored. the gospel is true. it couldn't be anything else. our savior lives. he loves us so much. he has given us a prophet. we are given everyday direction if we but just ask. we are his children. this life is joyful. and so will be our eternities. we have everything to be glad about :]

well im signing off. 2 Tim 4:7

peace to all and a merry merry christmas

love,

sister clarissa oliphant