From the Mom...

It has been such a pleasure and privilege to share these weekly updates...

In only a few very short days I will be able to wrap my arms around my daughter... She left my arms as a young lady and is returning an incredible woman with a testimony of the gospel that is so strong.

I am forever grateful that Heavenly Father allows her to by mine. I am so grateful for her service to the Lord and the opportunities she has been afforded. Because of her wonderful example and service our family has been greatly blessed. She and her brother are great examples to all of us. Because of her service I now have many wonderful friends all over the world and am truly grateful. She has been influenced by amazing mission Presidents and companions and members that have left footprints upon her heart. She is a changed person. And so am I.

"...Over the past 18 months you have missed family gatherings, taco parties, baby births and blessings, baptisms, sheep, road trips, a Christmas Eve and a Christmas Day. You’ve missed birthdays and anniversaries, temple ordinances and your brother’s mission farewell. You’ve missed friends and family, grandparents and more. You’ve taken time away from school and gave up a terrific job-- All to serve your Heavenly Father and find those people you had promised to. You’ve given up 30 minute hot showers, Café Rio salads, ice cream dates, and hanging out with friends.  And in that short time, you have traveled to places you never imagined, lived with strangers who have become your closest friends, your testimony has exploded, you have cried because you missed us, cried because you miss the people of Washington DC South Mission, and now you will cry even more when you leave your beloved Peru. You have found those you were seeking, touched lives like you never imagined, and you have been touched even more. We have watched you grow through your trials and many we don’t even know about. You have been humbled and shared the gospel with many as they have been humbled because of you. You have lived in circumstances never imagined and were blessed to live that way as you saw others with even less. El Libro de Mormon has become your closest companion and you have come to know the words and easily recall them. You have relied upon your Heavenly Father and felt His presence with you always. You have learned to like TOMATOES and rice and beans and Peruvian Cuisine. You have learned new talents and shared others, you have learned more about yourself, shared your testimony with strangers, heard the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, and walked in Holy places. You have been surrounded by heavenly angels and walked with Jesus. You aren’t returning home that same little Josie that left only 18 months ago. You are returning a woman, an elect lady..."

Love you up to the sky,

Mom