My Final Email to Elder Clayton

I thought I might as well include my final email to Elder Clayton.  I am so proud of this missionary, he has served so well.  I don't think he will have time to email next week as he will be leaving Cochabamba, so I am writing my feelings to him tonight.  I love this boy/man with all my heart.  Oh I can't wait to hug him!

Hello Pal...

I'm thinking this might be the last email as next week you will most likely not be able to check your email and will be ready to come HOME!  So, I will do my best to email how proud I am of you and all you have accomplished in the two years you have served so faithfully in Bolivia.  As I type this my eyes are filling with tears and I am having a hard time typing because as your mom, I know that you are most likely ready to move on and close this chapter, however; I know that a big piece of your heart will remain with these people that you have grown to love.  You have such a light about you and these people have seen it and have been drawn to you.  Even though some have not accepted the gospel...yet, you have planted a seed in them that they know to be different and that when they are ready they will remember the things you taught them and the way you made them feel.  

Your smile is and always has been contagious.  I have loved posting about Missionary Mondays.  It is always my favorite day of the week.  To see your smile and read about how your week has been has filled my cup to know that you are "ok" and that once again you have been obedient and that our Father in Heaven has watched over you and protected you as you have served with all your heart, might mind and strength.  

Today as I was waiting for the sacrament to be passed I was reading in Mosiah.  I have found that I love reading about King Benjamin; most likely because you were him during Quest.  But, today I read Mosiah 2:41 and I think this just might be my new favorite scripture.  This year's YM/YW theme is so simple:  If ye love me keep my commandments.  It is so simple and yet so powerful.  We have said, it is easy, you don't pick and choose which commandments you follow, you follow all of them.  And just this week someone asked me why I do all that I do with serving in my callings, (we did the parade, again) I'll send pictures, and I wished I could have remembered this scripture because it basically sums it all up:  And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandment of God.  For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.   O rememember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it.  I LOVE THAT!!!

What a wonderful promise!  the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments, it's as simple as that.  I'm planning on doing just that, keeping the commandments, it's not really that difficult.

So, thank you so much for going and doing something that is not easy; and teaching those people who knew nothing about any of this before.  That's the difficult part.  I was raised knowing it all along, and so were you.  Our job is to remain faithful, which seems easy and yet so many are choosing differently.

Stay strong and faithful all the way to the end. Know that I am so dang proud of you.  I love you so much my son.  I can't wait to get that long awaited hug!!!  See you soon.  Please send an email if you get a chance.  

I LOVE YOU!!!  Well done thou good and faithful servant.

Mom